Apple In Feed Operator

Theuniversityunion; Sunnyside (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Manzana Products Co. in Sunnyside, WA, is seeking an Apple Infeed Operator to manage the flow of apples from the dumping tank through the conveyor system to the press side. You will monitor equipment speeds, blend apple lots, perform quality checks, and ensure removal of MOA.

The role requires operating conveyors, washers, sorting equipment, and strong communication with staff. This fast-paced production role requires standing, PPE, and adherence to food-safety standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a food-processing, production, or agricultural environment preferred.
• Ability to operate and monitor conveyors, pumps, washers, sorting equipment, and related processing equipment.
• Ability to recognize differences in apple quality through visual inspection and cut testing.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Must be able to work around moving machinery, water, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and moving materials as required.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required company training and safety evaluation
• Must be 18 years or older to apply

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the apple infeed conveyor system from the dumping tank to the Bertocchi or grinder.
• Control and adjust conveyor and equipment speeds to maintain proper product flow and maximize line efficiency.
• Manage the blending and dumping of different apple lots according to production requirements.
• Perform routine apple quality checks, including cut tests and visual grading, and communicate quality concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Monitor and operate the high‑pressure apple washing system to ensure apples are properly cleaned before processing.
• Monitor the sorting table and identify and remove damaged, defective, or unsuitable apples as required.
• Monitor the conveyor line for proper operation, product flow, and potential equipment issues; dispose MOA in bins.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, product-quality issues, and abnormal operating conditions.

Skills

English proficiency

Quality checks

Basic computer skills

iPad usage

Job description

• Location 1525 SOUTH 4TH ST,Sunnyside, WA, 98944,United States
• Base Pay $17.50 - $22.00 / Hour
• Job Category Manufacturing, Food processing
• Industry Manufacturing
• Employee Type Regular

Contact information

Description

COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Manzana Products Co. has been in business for over 100 years and is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a prominent French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.

Manzana’s mission is to create quality apple products by placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers, and continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities, with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

We are in the process of relocating our manufacturing facility from Sebastopol, CA to Sunnyside, WA. While the facility is essential, we believe that building a strong, dedicated team is the key to success. At Manzana, we work each day to foster a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued, and feedback is encouraged.

At Manzana, all employees are required to actively participate in our comprehensive Food Safety Program to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality and safest food products. This commitment is essential to maintaining our standards and protecting our customers.

Join us as we grow and make a difference together

Job Summary

The Apple Infeed Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient flow of apples from the dumping tank through the conveyor system to the Bertocchi or grinder on the press side. This position monitors and adjusts equipment and line speeds, manages apple lot blending and dumping, performs quality inspections, operates and monitors washing and sorting equipment, and ensures the timely removal of material other than apples (MOA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the apple infeed conveyor system from the dumping tank to the Bertocchi or grinder.


• Control and adjust conveyor and equipment speeds to maintain proper product flow and maximize line efficiency.


• Manage the blending and dumping of different apple lots according to production requirements.


• Perform routine apple quality checks, including cut tests and visual grading, and communicate quality concerns to appropriate personnel.


• Monitor and operate the high‑pressure apple washing system to ensure apples are properly cleaned before processing.


• Monitor the sorting table and identify and remove damaged, defective, or unsuitable apples as required.


• Monitor the conveyor line for proper operation, product flow, and potential equipment issues. Remove and properly dispose of MOA (material other than apples) collected in designated bins at various points along the line.


• Maintain a clean and orderly work area and ensure bins and collection points are routinely emptied.


• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, product‑quality issues, and abnormal operating conditions.


• Follow established production, food‑safety, sanitation, and workplace‑safety procedures.


• Complete required production, quality, and equipment records accurately.


• Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance personnel, quality‑control staff, and other production employees.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a food‑processing, production, or agricultural environment preferred.


• Ability to operate and monitor conveyors, pumps, washers, sorting equipment, and related processing equipment.


• Ability to recognize differences in apple quality through visual inspection and cut testing.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced production environment.


• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established safety procedures.


• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.


• Must be able to work around moving machinery, water, noise, and varying temperatures.


• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and moving materials as required.


• Must be able to successfully complete all required company training and safety evaluation

• Must be 18 years or older to apply

Skills

• Ability to read, write and speak English at an intermediate level.


• Ability to perform accurate quality checks at specific time intervals


• Basic computer skills


• Ability to use an I pad or other device for electronic forms

Working Conditions

This position is performed in a food‑processing/production environment and may involve exposure to moving equipment, conveyors, high‑pressure water, noise, wet surfaces, varying temperatures, and agricultural materials. Employees must follow all required safety, sanitation, and PPE requirements. Proper PPE and safety procedures are required at all times. The employee must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting as required for assigned duties.

This position regularly works 8- to 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work based on production and business needs consistent with applicable laws and company policies.

PPE

• Hairnet


• Beard net


• Safety glasses or approved eye protection.


• Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the chemical and task.


• Chemical/water‑resistant protective clothing.


• Safety boots with appropriate slip‑resistant soles.


• Hearing protection in designated areas.


• Gloves or other task‑specific PPE when required.


• Additional PPE identified through the applicable safety assessment, SDS, sanitation procedure, or posted area requirements.


• Employees are responsible for properly wearing, maintaining, and using required PPE at all times.

To protect food safety and prevent contamination, employees entering production areas must comply with all personal hygiene and GMP requirements.
The following are not permitted in production areas:

• Glitter, sparkles, or loose decorative materials.


• False eyelashes or eyelash extensions that present a contamination risk.


• False, artificial, or acrylic nails.


• Nail polish or other nail coatings.


• Jewelry, including rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, earrings, piercings, or other loose accessories, except as specifically permitted by company policy.


• Items or clothing containing loose, fraying, dangling, or shedding materials that could present a contamination risk.


• Loose personal items that could fall into or contaminate product.


• Any other personal item, accessory, cosmetic, or material prohibited by company GMP and food‑safety policies.

Employees must follow all posted hygiene, handwashing, personal protective equipment, and food‑safety requirements when entering or working in production areas.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable pre-employment screening requirements, which may include:
Background check.
Drug screening.

Manzana Products Co. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position. Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the job are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Manzana Products Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other legitimate job-related factors in accordance with applicable law.

Summary

• Medical, dental and vision with 100% of the monthly premiums for the Employee paid by Manzana.


• Manzana offers a generous contribution towards the monthly healthcare premiums for eligible dependents.


• Team Members are eligible to enroll the first of the month after 30 days of employment.


• Life AD&D Insurance (when enrolled in medical insurance)


• 401(k) with a company match of up to 6% of the employee’s contribution.