Processor Operator

Pacific Coast Producers; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Coast Producers, a leading food production company, seeks a Processor Operator for its Salem, OR plant. The role handles Cold, Hot Process and APV operations, performing QA tests and ensuring syrup and product quality for cherries and related products.

Shifts include Day 6:00am–2:30pm and Swing 2:30pm–12:30am, with overtime and weekend hours as needed. Reliable teamwork and safety adherence are essential in a fast-paced production setting.

Qualifications

• Excellent working knowledge of and ability to follow safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
• Must be Power Equipment certified on forklift with straight forks and dumper attachment.
• Demonstrates good problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of this job without assistance as timely performance is directly related to other concurring processes.
• Demonstrates an ability in working well with others while enabling team members to complete their tasks in an efficient and orderly manner.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete all processes in both CP and Red Room, including various methods of loading tanks, blanching, syruping and syrup making, to proper procedural cleaning and sanitizing.
• Operate APV system which includes efficiently balancing syrup needs plant wide, start-up, shut-down, change overs, CIP monitoring with accurate documentation and training new processors.
• Monitor syrup levels on a continual basis to ensure that each tank has the correct type of syrup and correct liquid level in both the Red Room and Cold Process. Report all discrepancies to the Area Supervisor and follow up ensuring that a satisfactory resolution is in place.
• Coordinate with other processers to make and pump batches of syrups, flavors and pre-mixes for all areas of the plant as needed.
• Pump product from tanks to Pack Room for both cold and hot process in a manner that will not impede the pack out process. This will include pumping spent and concentrate syrup efficiently into temporary holding, process or concentrate tanks during production runs or to complete regular processes.
• Maintain knowledge involving fill weights and syrups for the various products (syrup, fruit and extra syrup).
• Maintain knowledge of filling, staging, sanitizing, pre-syruping, flavoring and coloring of barrels.
• Empty, fill, clean, sanitize and label totes and/or barrels of product as needed.
• Responsible for accurately cycle counting chemical inventory.
• Management of railcar syrup from receipt to release.
• Perform QA tests/monitoring as necessary to clear fruit and syrup for processing; record all data on logs.
• Create and apply DSI labels as needed for correct identification once product is produced.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard free work area.
• Perform other duties and assignments as directed.

Skills

Forklift certification

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Independent work

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Pacific Coast Producers, one of the top food production companies in the U.S., has an exciting opportunity for a Processor Operator to join our team at our Salem, OR facility. Our Salem facility produces maraschino cherries and other cherry products in various styles, colors and flavors and employs between 70-100 employees.

Pay Rate

$19.52 per hour and an additional $.25/hour for swing shift differential. Full-time/40 hours per week with some weekend and overtime hours required when needed. Day Shift is 6:00am - 2:30pm and Swing Shift is 2:30pm to 12:30am. (hours could vary)

The Processor Operator is responsible for the accurate execution of all processes and procedures in the areas of Cold Process, Hot Process and APV operation. Perform QA tests/monitoring as necessary to clear fruit and syrup for processing.

Primary Duties

• Complete all processes in both CP and Red Room, including various methods of loading tanks, blanching, syruping and syrup making, to proper procedural cleaning and sanitizing.
• Operate APV system which includes efficiently balancing syrup needs plant wide, start-up, shut-down, change overs, CIP monitoring with accurate documentation and training new processors.
• Monitor syrup levels on a continual basis to ensure that each tank has the correct type of syrup and correct liquid level in both the Red Room and Cold Process. Report all discrepancies to the Area Supervisor and follow up ensuring that a satisfactory resolution is in place.
• Coordinate with other processers to make and pump batches of syrups, flavors and pre-mixes for all areas of the plant as needed.
• Pump product from tanks to Pack Room for both cold and hot process in a manner that will not impede the pack out process. This will include pumping spent and concentrate syrup efficiently into temporary holding, process or concentrate tanks during production runs or to complete regular processes.
• Maintain knowledge involving fill weights and syrups for the various products (syrup, fruit and extra syrup).
• Maintain knowledge of filling, staging, sanitizing, pre-syruping, flavoring and coloring of barrels.
• Empty, fill, clean, sanitize and label totes and/or barrels of product as needed.
• Responsible for accurately cycle counting chemical inventory.
• Management of railcar syrup from receipt to release.
• Perform QA tests/monitoring as necessary to clear fruit and syrup for processing; record all data on logs.
• Create and apply DSI labels as needed for correct identification once product is produced.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard free work area.
• Perform other duties and assignments as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent working knowledge of and ability to follow safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
• Must be Power Equipment certified on forklift with straight forks and dumper attachment.
• Demonstrates good problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of this job without assistance as timely performance is directly related to other concurring processes.
• Demonstrates an ability in working well with others while enabling team members to complete their tasks in an efficient and orderly manner.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Frequent physical activity includes walking, bending, standing, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., touching, reaching, gripping, finger dexterity, and hearing. Moderate physical activity may include stooping, color identification, close vision, and depth perception. Under strenuous conditions, employees are still expected to perform their job requirements in a safe manner.

Environmental Factors

Working conditions include exposure to plant temperature extremes, dampness, humidity, fumes, and high noise levels. Work requires wearing proper protective equipment. Incumbent may work with rotating machinery and in a crowded area.

About PCP Summary

Established in 1971, Pacific Coast Producers is a cooperative owned by over 165 family farmers that grow and deliver various produce, including tomatoes, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and more, to production facilities in California and Oregon for processing and packaging. With over 3,000 dedicated employees, PCP strives to produce the finest quality products for customers across all channels of trade, including grocery retailers and foodservice distributors throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Salem facility is located in Salem, OR which is a thriving city in the heart of Willamette Valley, offering a vibrant downtown, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor recreation. As the capital of Oregon, it's only a 45-minute drive from Portland, making it a great location for those seeking urban amenities and a smaller community.

AA/EEO Policy Statement

Pacific Coast Producers is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.