Filler Operator I

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

The Filler Operator I will be required to operate Aseptic Filling machines and machines associated with the fillers. Ensure the quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements. Assume responsibility for the filling area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position. Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Coordinates, Sets-up, CIPs, Swab Tests, Monitors, and Operates Aseptic Filling Machines to maximize the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Maintains a clean and organized working area keeping all supplies and materials stocked and set-up for success when the next shift comes in to relieve you.
• Begins to assist with routine maintenance on all filling machines including working with and communicating with Maintenance and Management.
• Relieves other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Perform a variety of quality checks (weight checks, machine checks, sterility checks, package integrity checks) to assure standards are met.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
• Work with Management team to monitor the operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity.
• Work area must always be kept audit ready.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Adheres to all plant safety rules
• Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative
• Serves an active role the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP’s and SSOP’s (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with GMP’s, HACCP and SQF programs
• Identifies all critical control points (CCP) understanding their functions it relates to the process.

Maintenance

• When maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.
• When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• When utilizing the handheld radios, employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works well among co-workers as a team.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.

Personal Development

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360.
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.

Compensation
Starting at $22.00 per hour
 

Preferred 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.

•Must be able to stand and work for long periods of time (12) hours and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads

•Must be able to go up and down stairways in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift

•Must be able to maintain a good attendance record

•Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting

•Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues

•Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.

•Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management

•Ability to assess a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.

•Must have basic math skills

•Mechanical and troubleshooting skills

Knowledge and Skills:

Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred. The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure being able to work with minimal or no supervision.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics/physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions (non-weather); moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb and operate a three-story machine several times per hour. Frequently talk or listen. Frequently work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work in high places, occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED