Operations Associate

Description:

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Reports To: Operations Supervisor 

Travel Requirements: None 

Work Location: Green Bay, WI (Ontario or Vital Place Plant)

Role Summary:

An Operations Associate plays a critical role in supporting day-to-day operational functions in various departments on the plant floor. These positions may be responsible for managing incoming materials through cold processing, freeze drying, packaging, and warehousing amongst other various tasks. The role is essential for ensuring efficient processes are maintained within scope of job duties while upholding the highest standard of safety and quality. 

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Operations Associates may be assigned to various departments within the production and warehousing plants. General duties may include: 

Cold Processing:

Prepare pet food products by measuring, weighing, and placing them on trays, then loading trays onto carts and labeling accordingly. Complete production paperwork and follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Freeze Dry:

Responsible for handling and moving product carts, operating freeze dryers, inspecting product quality, and maintaining accurate production records. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed. 

Packaging:

Responsible for packaging pet food into bags, boxes, and other containers according to weight and quantity specifications. Duties include labeling packages, stacking boxes on pallets, scanning and wrapping pallets, and using a pallet jack for movement. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Warehouse:

Operates forklifts and other equipment to receive, inspect, and record incoming deliveries while maintaining accurate shipment logs. Ensures equipment is properly maintained, handles shipping-related issues, and keeps the warehouse clean, safe, and organized. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Operations Associates will be assigned a specific role within the plant and may be required to fill job duties of other areas as business needs require. 

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Preferred)
• Previous experience in manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment (Preferred) 
• Forklift certification (Preferred)
• Comfortable Working in a Fast-Paced, Hands-On Environment

Skills and Abilities:

A successful Operations Associate will have: 

• Strong Attention to Detail
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines. 
• Effective communication skills 
• Flexibility to perform various tasks and assist in different areas as needed. 

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods. The Operations Associate must be able to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50lbs, and perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching, and repetitive motions throughout the shift. The work environment includes exposure to varying conditions, such as dry and cold areas, and the ability to tolerate noise, strong odors, and temperature changes. Visual and auditory acuity are necessary to monitor equipment, read screens, and communicate effectively with team members. The role also requires motor skills for handling materials, entering data, or operating machinery. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods is required to ensure safety in the production environment.