Production - Production Associate

EarthFresh; Minnesota; On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

You will operate unloading equipment, guide trucks to unloading locations, maintain cleanliness, and report hazards. The job emphasizes GMP/HACCP awareness, flexible schedules including weekends, and a commitment to safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• GMPs/HACCP knowledge is a plus.
• Must follow food safety and workplace safety procedures.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Able to lift and carry as required.
• Willing to work flexible schedules including overtime.
• Communicate effectively with drivers and team.
• Maintain a clean, organized unloading area.
• Direct trucks to unloading locations safely.

Responsibilities

• Safely unload potatoes from trucks, trailers, railcars and other bulk vehicles.
• Work in outdoor receiving areas in varying weather.
• Operate and monitor unloading equipment, conveyors, hoses, and water systems.
• Direct drivers into unloading locations while watching for hazards.
• Inspect unloading areas and equipment for safe operation.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe work environment.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Comply with PPE and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Communicate receiving activities and operational concerns with supervisors.
• Perform other duties to support receiving and operations.

Skills

Reliable attendance

Punctuality

Safety conscious

Teamwork

Flexible schedules

Communication with drivers

Outdoor PPE readiness

LOTO/PPE procedures

Adaptability

GMPs/HACCP knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Since 1963, EarthFresh has been an international leader in the produce industry, with operations in both the U.S.A. and Canada. We proudly specialize in providing the Foodservice and Retail industries with a wide selection of conventional and organic potato varieties ideal for frying, baking, mashing, boiling, and roasting.

We are a team of fantastic people who are joined together by the same belief – that “fresh produce is a way of life”. EarthFresh invites you to be a part of our ever-growing team and share in our success!

The Bulk Potato Unloader is responsible for safely unloading potatoes from incoming trucks, trailers, and railcars in an outdoor receiving environment. This position requires working in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, wet surfaces, and around water systems, hoses, and moving vehicle traffic. The Bulk Potato Unloader must follow all food safety and workplace safety procedures, communicate effectively with drivers and team members, and maintain a clean and organized unloading area.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience & Skills

• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to safety and safe work practices.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), food safety, and occupational health and safety principles within the food industry is considered an asset.
• Safely unload potatoes from trucks, trailers, railcars, and other bulk delivery vehicles according to established company procedures.
• Perform work primarily in an outdoor potato receiving and unloading area.
• Operate, monitor, or assist with unloading equipment, conveyors, hoses, water systems, and related tools used in the receiving process.
• Direct and guide truck drivers into unloading locations while maintaining awareness of moving vehicles, equipment, and pedestrians.
• Inspect unloading areas and equipment for safe operation and report any issues or hazards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by removing debris, mud, standing water, and loose potatoes as necessary.
• Follow all company food safety, sanitation, quality, and workplace safety standards.
• Comply with lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and all applicable operating procedures.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, drivers, and coworkers regarding receiving activities and operational concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support receiving and operations activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required by the position.
• Ability to work safely on wet, uneven, muddy, or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold, and humidity.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including waterproof boots, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility apparel, and other company-required safety equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Frequent exposure to changing weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to water, hoses, mud, wet surfaces, and moving truck traffic.
• Work performed around conveyors, unloading equipment, and other industrial machinery.

Safety Expectations

The Bulk Potato Unloader is expected to actively support and promote a safe work environment by:

• Following all company safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Immediately reporting unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, and near misses.
• Using required PPE and safe work practices consistently.
• Exercising caution when working around water systems, wet surfaces, conveyors, trucks, railcars, and other moving equipment.
• Participating in safety meetings, training, and compliance programs as required.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and food-safe receiving operations while supporting the company's overall quality and operational objectives.

U.S. Regulatory Notice

EarthFresh is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

EarthFresh participates in E‑Verify in certain locations as required by law.

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