Operations Downline Operator I

SunOpta

Alexandria (MN)

On-site

USD 15,000 - 18,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid Holidays

401(k) with Match

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. seeks a Downline Operator I to oversee packaging equipment operations, including cap applicator and case packer, while upholding quality standards. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced production setting.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and be willing to train, with endurance for 12-hour shifts and lifting requirements. This entry-level position supports maintenance and shift transitions across the plant.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Willingness to train for entry-level role.
Ability to stand 12 hours and lift up to 50 lbs.
Knowledge of GMP and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Operate downline packaging equipment and ensure efficiency.
Monitor faults, clear jams, and perform quality checks.
Maintain clean, organized work area and communicate across shifts.
Assist maintenance and mechanics as needed.
Prepare and maintain area paperwork and codes.
Support safety and plant performance.

Skills

Independent work

Troubleshooting

Record keeping

Allergen procedures

GMP & Safety

Physical stamina

Attendance

Personal hygiene

Quality inspections

Communication

Distribution equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

Downline Operator I is responsible for the operations of the Downline Packaging equipment including: Cap Applicator, Cardboard Case Packer, Accumulators, and learn basic functionality of the coders. Ensure efficient operation of distribution equipment and support maintenance activities on a consistent basis. Follow written and verbal instructions to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for safety, quality and effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance. Fills in for vacations and or covers if other employees are absent..

Essential Functions of the Job:

Complies with Good manufacturing practices
Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in equipment
Conducts required quality checks to assure standards are met
Maintain clean and organized area
Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions, etc.
Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
Assist with maintenance techs on routine maintenance and troubleshooting
Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities
Monitor WIP material and supplies to ensure efficient production
Basic understanding of Oracle systems accurately scanning material being consumed
Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required
Accurately prepares and maintains all area codes and paperwork
Set up oncoming shifts for success leaving area clean, organized and stocked.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

Adheres to all plant safety rules
Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative
Serves an active role in the plant safety program by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting and potential safety hazards to the safety committee or management team

Quality

Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
Follows SOP's and SSOP's (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when performing machine adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality packages
Responsible for compliance with the GMP's, HACCP and SQF programs
Accurately prepares and maintains downline area documentation, writing legibly and completely filling out all documents.

Maintenance

When maintenance is occurring on or in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the maintenance technicians with anything they may need to expedite the process.
When Equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs

Housekeeping

Maintain a clean and organized work area
Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping
Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors

Communications

As a member of the Production team, ensure that effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift
Maintains effective communication with members of the support group
When utilizing the Handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.

Teamwork and Training

Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
Works well among co-workers as a team
Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team

Personal Development

Continuous improvement of knowledge of the downline area
Become familiar with SunOpta 360
Completes and adheres to the annual alchemy schedule

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

Able to work independently with minimal amount of supervision
Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues
Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting
Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.
Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift a minimum up to 50lbs frequently and move rolling tubs occasionally in excess of 100lb and push/pull pallet jacks with heavy loads
Work (12) hours as required as well as any overtime that may be scheduled when additional coverage is needed, maintaining a good attendance record.
Must have good personal hygiene
Performs the Quality Assurance checks on cartons and cases verifying the package integrity
Good communication and interpersonal skills lending to a team environment
Have a minimum of 90 days of distribution equipment experience

Education:

Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent education.

Experience:

Entry level - willing to train.

Knowledge and Skills:

Working knowledge of business, computer and math, preferred. The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure.

Travel Requirements:

None

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A 24/7 36/48 hour work week will be considered normal. Extra hours, off hours, and extra work days may be required to accommodate new projects, product development, and other special situations.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb up and over stairs/conveyors several times per hour.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

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