Production Operator I - APC

LGI foundation; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

LGI Foundation is hiring for a role in Dubuque, Iowa, focusing on operating production equipment and ensuring food safety compliance. The position requires shifts of up to 12 hours, involving lifting, operating machinery, and maintaining a clean work area.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, experience in production or manufacturing, and the physical ability to handle up to 60lbs. We ensure a safe work environment and require compliance with quality standards.

Qualifications

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to learn to handle inedible protein materials according to procedures.
• Must read, write and speak English.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety and ensure quality product.
• Operate production equipment under supervision.
• Engage in continuous improvement.

Skills

Ability to prepare and operate all packaging machinery

General knowledge of production/manufacturing methods

Ability to read gauges and record data

Able to lift 60lbs bags

Ability to operate forklift/pallet jack

Ability to perform basic math skills

Ability to remain calm during peak periods

Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Promote safety, maintain a sanitary food environment, and ensure that only the highest quality product is made. Work days or nights, 8‑hour shift schedules including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

JOB DUTIES: Operate production equipment under the supervision of the shift supervisor:

• Packaging – Monitor product volume, temperatures, times, and pressure readings; monitor gauges and record information as needed.
• Know the type of product, the source, and all handling procedures involved in each processing procedure. Full understanding of product flow.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area throughout the facility; general housekeeping of production areas.
• Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associated equipment.
• Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature; monitor bag house, check air pressure; monitor machinery and notify supervisor when something is out of specification.
• Ensure all charts are properly documented according to company and regulatory regulations; ensure all paperwork is done correctly and completely.
• Operate pallet jack and forklift.
• Prepare bags to fill using established label and numbering system in accordance with procedures; proficient computer skills to print out packaging labels.
• Fill, weigh, seal and load bags on pallets (must be able to lift 60lb. bags 6feet high).
• Bag and blend finished powder, weigh and sample product, palletize product and move pallets (may require a forklift or pallet jack).
• Comply with, and follow, company food safety and quality policies. Adhere to all SOPs, procedures and quality requirements.
• Perform elementary mechanical and carpentry repairs throughout plant as instructed by supervision.
• Engage in continuous improvement and process improvement.
• Anticipate problems and implement solutions.
• Demonstrate good judgement in safeguarding customer, company, vendor and employee information.
• Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with employees from all other departments and peers.

Job Requirements

• Ability to prepare and operate all packaging machinery.
• Have general knowledge of production/manufacturing methods.
• Ability to read gauges and record data in a legible manner and in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to learn to handle inedible protein materials in accordance with established sanitary procedures and practices.
• Ability to understand and follow established work procedures, including mandated sanitary and safety guidelines.
• Must be able to read, write and speak in English, to prepare and comprehend logs, schedules, and communicate with fellow employees.
• Ability to operate forklift/pallet jack.
• Ability to perform basic math skills.
• Ability to move freely throughout plant with sustained physical/mental effort to climb, sample and clean equipment and work areas.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during peak periods.
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and situations as they arise, notifying appropriate staff of problems beyond scope of normality.
• Ability to cooperate with all staff.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work daily and overtime as necessary.
• Ability to assist in all work areas.
• Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
• Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of APC.
• Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising when necessary, promptly sharing relevant information with others.
• Is open to changing situations and is willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned.
• Able and willing to perform tasks and duties independently.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude and work ethic.
• Follow all GMPs and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food, safety, quality and sanitation requirements.

Basic Physical Requirements

• Approximate: 12 Hour Day (may be longer during peak season)
• Key: Occasional = 0% - 33% Frequent = 34% - 66% Continuous = 67% - 100% N/A = Not Applicable
• Standing Continuous
• Sitting Occasional
• Walking Frequent
• Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping Frequent
• Reaching Above Shoulder Frequent
• Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.) Frequent
• Confined Spaces Occasional
• Working on Heights: Unprotected Heights Occasional
• Protected Heights Occasional
• Lifting weights from 1 to 80 lbs. at waist level
• Lifting weights from 1 to 60 lbs. at floor level
• Lifting weights from 1 to 50 lbs. at shoulder level
• Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials
• Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force.
• Operating Moving Machinery/Equipment Continuous
• Operating a Motor Vehicle (as a part of your job) N/A
• Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment/Machinery Occasional
• Hand Movements: Recording Data Frequent
• Operating Office Equipment N/A
• Operating Computer N/A
• Simple Grasping (right and left) Frequent
• Firm Grasping (right and left) up to 80 lbs of force Frequent
• Fine Manipulating (right and left) Occasional
• Foot Movements to Operate Foot Controls Occasional
• Good Vision, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Access Required Information and to Perform Job Duties Yes Color Definition N/A
• Good Hearing, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Communicate and/or Understand Required Information and to Perform Job Duties Yes Ability to be Mobile throughout Required Work Areas Yes Office Occasional Multiple Locations Occasional Plant Continuous Equipment/Maintenance or Repair Area Continuous Rough Terrain Occasional Other N/A

Job Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED certificate required.
• Experience: Previous work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.
• Participates in E‑Verify