Packaging Operator

Alphia; Pawnee City (NE); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Alphia in Pawnee City, Nebraska, is seeking a dedicated packaging operator to maintain quality and operate packaging equipment. In this role, you will be responsible for packaging products, performing quality checks, and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in manufacturing. Basic math and computer skills are needed, along with the ability to work effectively in a team.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to obtain certifications for Lock Out / Tag Out and forklifts.

Responsibilities

• Package products in bags, boxes, or bulk containers.
• Perform quality assurance duties and inspections.
• Set up and troubleshoot packaging equipment.

Skills

Basic math skills

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Independence

Effective communication

Safety certifications

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma and/or GED

Tools

Alphia Business Systems

Forklifts

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

Maintain quality and operate packaging equipment and perform all packaging activities associated with assigned line.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Package products in bags, boxes, or bulk containers; label and stack on pallets
• Stack bags of product weighing up to 50# from between waist and shoulder height to a pallet between knee and shoulder height
• Maintain product and packaging quality through visually inspecting finished product
• Ensure product, bags, wraps, seals, boxes, and pallets meet quality standards
• Participates in full facility equipment clean-up between runs, as directed
• Accountable for maintaining and sustaining FIFO program
• Set up, operate, and perform basic troubleshooting of packaging equipment, to include but no limited to:
  • Bemis 1
  • Bemis 2
  • Parsons
  • Jem lines
  • Palletizers
  • Forklifts
  • Stretch wrappers
  • Scales
  • Metal detectors
  • Belt
  • Control panels
  • Labelers
  • Coders
  • Case erectors
  • Trash compactors
• Perform QA duties as necessary, to include but not limited to:
  • Enter data collected from routine checks into IQS software
  • Know and monitor HACCP compliance in-process
  • Assist with product changeover, cleaning, and sanitation; perform inspections required before product start-up
  • Collect finished product samples for product release testing
  • Perform verification checks of metal detectors and magnets in area of responsibility as specified in Quality Checkpoints
  • Immediately communicate quality concerns to Packaging Lead or Supervisor
  • Participate in the 1st article of inspection to ensure food safety and quality
• Must complete required paperwork accurately and completely, including simple production reports
• Proficiency in Alphia Business Systems (i.e., JDE, IQS, etc.) as it applies to the position
• Anticipate technical problems and (when appropriate) proactively troubleshoot and make technical adjustments and/or notify Maintenance
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
• Work with Maintenance and Supervisor to identify potential line improvements
• Responsible for technical training/coaching and cross training other plant personnel and new hires
• Acknowledge and adhere to the requirement to work only in job-specific designated area
• Accountable for personal safety, behavior, and performance
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and organized work area and leaving a clean and organized work area for the following shift
• Responsible for following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s), as well as following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
• Required to notify a supervisor or a lead employee of any situation or observation that may adversely affect food safety and/or quality

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, and percentages
• Basic computer skills
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in written form, and via radio
• Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner
• Ability to obtain Alphia Lock Out / Tag Out certification
• Ability to obtain Alphia forklift certification
• Ability to multi-task

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High school diploma and/or GED required
• Experience: Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch. The employee must exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.