Production General Utility - 1st Shift

Ajinomotocareers; Carthage (MO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America is seeking an entry-level Pack Line Associate responsible for inspecting products, assembling and packing items, and stacking finished goods onto pallets. You will ensure correct labeling, follow GMP/GSP practices, and participate in break rotations while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, working in a cold, wet environment, and adhering to safety protocols. Prior food plant experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Ability to lift/move cases up to 50 pounds.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Inspect pre-cooked or post-cooked products entering or exiting the cooker; monitor frozen products in pack-off area.
• Manually assemble/pack product to meet line standards; stack cases on pallets and label correctly.
• Maintain safe practices: PPE usage, lifting techniques, break rotations, and GMP/GSP adherence.
• Communicate production issues to team leaders and maintain housekeeping and sanitation practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety consciousness

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

GMP familiarity

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Pallet jack

Forklift

Sanitation equipment

Job description

Position Summary

This entry-level position involves the inspection of pre-cooked or post-cooked food products entering or exiting the cooker, monitoring frozen products in the pack-off area, and stacking finished product cases onto specified pallets.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Employee Physical Responsibilities:
• Manually assemble and/or pack product meeting line standards.
• Lift and move cases weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Check packaging material for damage and notify Lead of any non-compliant products.
• Perform line sanitations/housekeeping practices and monitor packing equipment for potential issues to be referred to a Lead.
• Ensure correct pallet label and sticker information is applied, stack cases on pallets, and ensure proper sealing of bags and boxes.
• Understand different case pack sizes and weight ranges, adjusting tape machine configurations accordingly.
• Maintain speed and flexibility to adapt to different line speeds and case standards.
• Performs all other work as assigned.
• Employee Communication Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate consistent respectful communication with all team members.
• Communicate any production issues to team members, demonstrating understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Sanitation Practices (GSP).
• Participate in break rotations, write legibly, and collaborate effectively with team members.
• Inspect products to ensure compliance with quality standards specified by QC, disposing of non-compliant products and communicating with leadership as needed.
• Employee Safety Responsibilities:
• Adhere to company standards and safety regulations.
• Report all injuries, unsafe conditions and acts
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Use mechanical assistance (handjack, forklift, manlift)
• Use personal assistance (team lift for product above 50lb.)
• Use handrails
• Use and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable and self-driven
• Experience in a food manufacturing plant is preferred
• Good communication skills
• High School or GED (preferred)

Position Qualifications

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and the noise level can be moderate. To protect against these conditions, frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.

The physical demands described here 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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Hardcoded

• Sit - Frequent
• Stand - Frequent
• Walk - Frequent
• Lift - Frequent
• Bend/Twist - Frequent
• Reach - Frequent
• Vision - Close vision and the ability to adjust focus. - Constant

Other Physical Demands or Working Conditions

• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, normally at waist level and sometimes at shoulder level.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Continuously required to stand.
• Occasional walking, reaching and working above shoulders, body bending, stooping, climbing stairs, body twisting/rotating, and driving a pallet jack.
• Will be exposed to loud industrial type environments commonly found at plants and working with powered equipment.
• Varied temperatures from hot and humid to very cold. Temperatures throughout plant average 50 degrees.
• May be required to wear bump caps, safety glasses, hairnet, smock, boots, ear plugs, gloves, plastic sleeves, and aprons provided by the Company.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.