Production Operator

The Republic of Tea is a progressive and socially conscious business recognized as a leading purveyor of nearly 400 all-natural premium teas, herbs and gifts. We enrich people’s lives through great-tasting teas, education and innovation while championing a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle. In keeping with our whimsical identity as an independent Republic, we refer to our employees as Ministers, sales representatives as Ambassadors, consumers as Citizens and our retail partners as Embassies.  As a family-owned company, we are dedicated to sharing our prosperity through meaningful philanthropic partnerships and creating opportunities for learning and growth within our TEAm. Join us and become part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture—where you can grow your career, expand your network, and help lead the tea revolution.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Republic of Tea is looking for a Production Operator. Hours are 5:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday depending on company needs. We offer comprehensive benefits which includes a 401k package! This position will require an employee to be responsible for the running and maintenance of specific machines. Must be able to perform routine maintenance along with preventative maintenance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Knowledge in operation of tea bagging, leaf filling, and labeling equipment for the purpose of producing a "high end" product.
• Must be trained and certified on the operation of machine assigned or staff assigned.
• Must produce paperwork indication type and quality of raw materials received each day.
• May also be responsible for setting up of all production lines with raw material, based on the posted schedule and input from supervision.
• Quality ownership of products being produced.
• Spot-checking products for quality control issues, filling containers with product, labeling products, and boxing products for movement to the warehouse.
• Daily output to meet/exceed daily goals as posted on production board.
• Attendance goal of 2 or less unscheduled absences a year.
• Expectation of zero accidents/injuries of all employees. Be able to identify and correct unsafe practices.
• Understand and navigate machine HMIs (Human Machine Interface).
• Follow all SQF (Safe Quality Food) regulations and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines.
• Familiarity with SQF code and ability to answer questions during audit regarding job specifications.
• Responsible for keeping workspace neat and clean as well as assisting with warehouse cleaning as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Mechanically inclined
• Manual dexterity
• Able to lift 65 pounds on own
• Able to sit/stand for 2 hours
• Attention to detail
• Good Attendance
• Basic reading and math skills
• Able to work with minimal supervision
• Able to work under pressure
• Must be able to climb rolling ladder
• Must be able to work on lifts 6’ to 12’ above ground while dumping 65lbs of tea.
• Able to work overtime when required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Manual dexterity to pick and pack single items and case lots;
• Able to push product cart containing up to 100 lbs.
• Able to lift 65 lbs.
• Must be able to climb rolling ladder;
• Able to push 65 lbs. from pack station
• Able to stand or walk for long periods of time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma, or equivalent GED;
• Two years of related experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Attention to detail;
• Must perform work with a sense of urgency;
• Able to work under pressure;
• Ability to gain a general knowledge of computers and internal system;
• Able to work with minimal supervision.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform other duties as assigned. 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.

The Republic of Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer