Operator, Load - Retort

Lassonde Pappas & Company, Inc.; Boardman (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc in Boardman, Ohio is seeking a Retort Loader Machine Operator to safely operate loader equipment in the retort area and follow GMP, SQF, and company procedures.

You will perform setup, changeovers, routine maintenance, document using touchscreen and paper records, and support production goals while maintaining safety and quality. This role requires basic math, reading production docs, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous food manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Experience operating industrial equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely and properly change over and operate equipment located in the retort work area.
• Properly clean and sanitize the immediate work area and equipment.
• Ensure retort cages are stored safely in designated locations.
• Perform operator-level adjustments and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Accurately complete required paperwork and touchscreen entries.
• Coordinate and complete rework activities, including directing temporary personnel when required.
• Follow all SGFM, Quality, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and Preventive Control requirements.
• Maintain a working knowledge of weights, measurements, conversions, and kettle batching processes.
• Build a positive team environment within the department and throughout the organization.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks as required following certification and training.
• Work under pressure while effectively multitasking and meeting production goals.
• Assist with loading retort cages when operational support is needed.
• Complete instructions and goals established by the supervisor.

Skills

Loader operation

Forklift operation

Pallet jack operation

Basic math

Production documentation

Electronic records

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food manufacturing experience

Industrial equipment operation experience

Tools

Loader operator

Forklift operator

Pallet jack operator

Production documentation

Electronic touchscreen records

Basic math

English communication

Job description

Job Title: Retort Loader Machine Operator

Reports to: Production Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location(s): Boardman, Ohio

Last Updated: March 2025

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

Safely and properly operate loader machinery essential to food production operations while following all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF), food safety, and company procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely and properly change over and operate equipment located in the retort work area.
• Properly clean and sanitize the immediate work area and equipment.
• Ensure retort cages are stored safely in designated locations.
• Perform operator-level adjustments and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Accurately complete required paperwork and touchscreen entries.
• Coordinate and complete rework activities, including directing temporary personnel when required.
• Follow all SGFM, Quality, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and Preventive Control requirements.
• Maintain a working knowledge of weights, measurements, conversions, and kettle batching processes.
• Build a positive team environment within the department and throughout the organization.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks as required following certification and training.
• Work under pressure while effectively multitasking and meeting production goals.
• Assist with loading retort cages when operational support is needed.
• Complete instructions and goals established by the supervisor.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous food manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Experience operating industrial equipment preferred.

Technical Skills

• Ability to operate loader equipment, forklifts, and pallet jacks safely.
• Working knowledge of weights, measurements, conversions, and production documentation.
• Basic math, reading, and English communication skills.
• Ability to complete electronic touchscreen and paper records accurately.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safety, food quality, and sanitation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to follow directions and achieve production goals.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

This position requires the physical ability to perform manufacturing duties safely in a food production environment.

• Frequent lifting of materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull materials up to 700 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, and bend throughout the shift.
• Manual dexterity with the ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently climb ladders and stairs.
• Work in hot/humid environments above 110°F and cold environments below -20°F.

FREQUENT: Standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, equipment operation, and sanitation activities.

OCCASIONAL: Climbing, working in temperature extremes, working beneath conveyors, and moving large materials with powered equipment.

VISION: Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction.

HEARING: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description. The conditions herein 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 to perform the essential job functions.

Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.