Operations Material Handler I

SunOpta; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with Match

Paid Holidays

Tuition assistance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Job summary

SunOpta in Modesto, CA is seeking a production operator for filling machines. You will ensure quality and efficiency, perform routine machine maintenance, and collaborate with maintenance and management to improve plant productivity. The role requires standing long hours, lifting up to 50–75 lbs, and adhering to GMP and safety protocols. Day shift with a 2-2-3 pattern.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must have basic math skills.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds, sometimes 75.
• Able to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Must follow GMP and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up filling machines to maximize product quality and department efficiency.
• Keep work area clean and stocked for next shift.
• Perform routine maintenance and coordinate with Maintenance.
• Relieve team members for breaks as needed.
• Conduct quality checks (weights, sterility, packaging) to ensure standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve moderate equipment issues.
• Complete area paperwork legibly per FDA requirements.
• Monitor efficiencies, yields, and scrap to improve productivity.
• Maintain audit readiness in the work area.

Skills

Teamwork

Mechanical skills

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Pallet jacks

Lifts

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.

SunOpta Overview

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Summary - 90 Days

This position is responsible for operations of filling machines and machines associated with the fillers. Ensure the quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements. Follow written and verbal procedures to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for the filling area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Coordinate, Set-up, CIP, Swap Testing, Monitor and Operate the filling machines to maximize the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Maintain a clean and organized working area keeping all supplies and materials stocked and set-up for success when the next shift comes in to relieve you.
• Perform routine maintenance on all filling machines including working with and communicating with Maintenance and Management
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Perform a variety of quality checks (weight checks, machine checks, sterility checks, package integrity checks) to assure standards are met
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
• Work with Management team to monitor the operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity.
• Must maintain Audit readiness in your work area at all times

Key Accountabilities

Safety

• Follows all plant safety rules
• Reports all accidents to the production supervisor

Quality

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP's (standard operating procedures) to make machine adjustments, splice packaging material, and prepare laminate to insure the manufacturing of high-quality packages
• Responsible for compliance with the HACCP and SQF program
• Identifies all critical control points understanding their functions as it relates to the filling process.
• Responsible for accurate documentation

Housekeeping

• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in the housekeeping endeavor.

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• Communicate, Communicate, and Communicate.

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works among co-workers as a team.
• Personal Development
• Continuously improve your knowledge of the aseptic filling area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Must have basic math skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of business, computer and math.

Knowledge And Skills

• 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.
• Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift up to 30 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads frequently
• Must be able to go up and down stairways in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift
• Must be able to keep a good attendance record
• Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting
• Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues
• Understands all procedures with all allergens.
• Must follow all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Ability to access a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to work around major allergens.
• Must be able to climb/walk steps frequently.

Additional Considerations

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: SunOpta currently has an opportunity on Day (A) Shift, 6am to 6:30 pm on a 2-2-3 pattern.
• Availability: Some flexibility may be needed on occasion.
• Pay Rate: $24.25/hour
• Work Environment: This position will be in a production / manufacturing environment.
• Physical Demands: This role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistanceShort-term and Long-term Disability insurance

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED