Packaging Operator Crescent City

Sartori Cheese; Crescent City, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Forklift Certification

Job summary

Sartori Cheese seeks a Packaging Operator for Crescent City Creamery in Crescent City, CA. You will operate block-forming towers, case wrappers, and labeling systems, while maintaining sanitation per SOPs to ensure food safety and quality.

The role covers 2nd shift (3:00 PM–3:00 AM) on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Forklift certification is available; starting pay ranges from $20.00 to $25.00 per hour, with room for growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (GED) preferred.
• 1-2 years of food manufacturing experience desirable; operator experience preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred (will train) and basic sanitation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors block-forming towers and packaging equipment to meet quality standards.
• Maintains sanitation and adheres to SOPs, GMP, HACCP and food safety requirements.
• Records work orders, weights, lot numbers, and labels; weighs and labels blocks.
• Palletizes blocks and prepares pallets for shipping; closes work orders for shipments.
• Performs setup, calibration, and minor maintenance on scale, printer, and box taper; performs CIP-related tasks.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Effective Communication

Reading & Comprehension

Adaptability

Self-Motivation

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Organization

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift Certification

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The Packaging Operator is responsible for ensuring efficient and high-quality packaging of cheese by managing key stages within the packaging department, including tower operation, primary packaging of cheese blocks, case wrapping, palletizing, and material handling for shipping staging. This hands-on role involves operating packaging equipment, maintaining strict sanitation practices, and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to uphold food safety and product quality standards. The Packaging Operator plays a vital role in sustaining compliance with regulatory requirements and contributing to continuous improvement efforts within the packaging and logistics environment.

Schedule: 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AMon a rotating 2-2-3 schedule .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Production Operations:

• Operates and monitors block-forming tower sequencing through HMIs, metal detectors, a vacuum-sealing packaging machine, a case wrapper, a weight scale, and label application to ensure product quality meets company and customer standards.
• Documents work orders, lot numbers, and item codes into scale equipment. Weighs and attaches identification labels to blocks.
• Monitors and adjusts block forming towers to ensure proper block heights and product weight.
• Performs quality control checks, ensuring primary packaging integrity through the packaging process.
• Palletizes blocks, labels pallets, and moves finished pallets from production to the staging area.
• Closes work orders for product shipment, records pertinent information for financial tracking.
• Performs setup, calibration, and minor maintenance on scale, printer, and box taper.
• Performs and documents routine cooler temperature checks
• Reports deviations from company standards to Production Supervisors and/or Maintenance.
• Conducts pre-operational inspections and operates the Clean-in-Place (CIP) system to sanitize block-forming towers and related equipment; rinses and sanitizes drain tables between vats.
• Performs thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment, tables, and work areas during and after production.
• Follows all sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including CIP and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) procedures.
• Conducts routine inspections of equipment and work surfaces for cleanliness and compliance.
• Handles cleaning chemicals safely and maintains appropriate chemical concentrations for effective sanitation.
• Supports pre-operational and post-operational sanitation checks to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Participates in audits and inspections related to sanitation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance.

Safety & Compliance:

• Trains team members on standard operating procedures, safety practices, and quality protocols to ensure consistent performance.
• Complies with all company policies related to safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), GMP, and food quality; immediately reports any concerns to appropriate personnel.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 1-2 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making: Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension: Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness: Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation: Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Forklift Certification (will train internally).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION:

This is an onsite position located at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Little to no travel is required for this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel, and push and/or pull. The Team Member frequently is required to talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The Team Member must occasionally lift 55 lb. salt bags and/or chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is consistently exposed to extreme, non-weather-related heat, up to 100 degrees while working with product flow as well as exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and occasional exposure to outside weather. The Team Member regularly works with chemicals used for cleaning along with moving pumps and valves. Due to the loud noise level, ear protection may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational, and business needs as necessary.

Pay Range for this opportunity is $20.00 - $25.00 per hour. Starting pay is based on job-related knowledge/skills, and relevant experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.