Operator - Production; Production

Position: Operator - Production (Production)
Production Operator - ARTEMIS - Night Shift
The base rate for this position is: $24.92 per hour + $3.00 shift differential
Who We Are
At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet.
We started off with a mission to change the way pet parents feed dogs and cats, but we also wanted to be a company that had a thoughtful approach to how we operate. We wanted to do things differently, make great products but be gentle to the planet, good to the people who touch our business, and leave a positive impact with everything we do.

We work hard every day to ensure that the original vision is met, starting with making the highest quality foods in our kitchens to running our business with integrity, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. IT'S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!
What You Will Do
The Production Operator is responsible for:

Play an integral role in Primary Packaging of Artemis
1. Operation of novel equipment and technologies.
Following all relevant SOPs and corrective action procedures.
Cleaning and sanitizing machine parts, equipment, and other areas.
Processing and cooking raw meat, vegetables, and dry ingredients.
Manually loading ingredients as well as operating machines using a computer terminal and PLC touch screens.
Packaging cooked product into plastic packaging, packing into boxes, palletizing and shrink wrapping.
Accurately completing paperwork related to production schedule inventory, HACCP plan, and/or quality standards.
Required to work in a cold and wet environment w/ temperatures of approximately 37°F.
Join SPD team in conducting Artemis-related Pilot Plant trials as a part of the training/onboarding process (until full time on Artemis Line
1). This includes:
Performing duties with a safety-first approach and support a "Safety First" culture.
Working a Monday - Thursday schedule;
Night Shift will be from 5 pm to 5 am.
Disassembly, reassembly, and basic maintenance of processing equipment.
Operation and general assistance in conducting Pilot Plant trials.
Troubleshooting and contributing to the process development of Artemis.
Assisting in the batching of ingredients.
Assisting in the inventory tracking of ingredients and Artemis-related items/utilities.
Assisting in the sanitation of the Pilot Plant. This includes the safe operation of a high-flow water flushing system (CIP) and Steam-in-Place (SIP) thermal sterilization system.
Assisting in various benchtop-scale testing. This includes a careful adherence to testing protocol and SOPs.
Assure food safety standards with regards to GMPs and HACCP plan are being followed by self and fellow employees
Follow safety procedures with lock out tag out and exposure to hot or pressurized equipment and cleaning chemicals
Manually lift and transport unfinished/finished product during research production and/or trials
Other duties as assigned.

How You Will Make an Impact

Establish a leadership role in the commissioning of Artemis
1. This includes the training of new Operators and working closely with Engineering, Operations, and SPD in start-up.
Review/Update/Follow all relevant Standard Operating Procedures SOPs and SSOPs.
Organize and maintain a sanitary and safe work environment. You will be a significant driver of creating a "New Clean."
Assist in driving training initiatives of operational procedures.
Utilize Pilot Plant experience in refining and contributing to the success of Artemis 1.
Participate in TPRs.

What You Will Bring
Work Experience Requirements:

Must be a Production Operator at or above Level 200 in the Freshpet Academy
Minimum 2 years of experience in food/pet food industry required
Food manufacturing sanitation experience preferred
Prior Production, Sanitation, QA, or Laboratory experience preferred
Ability to read and follow procedures and accurately complete paperwork related to sanitation activities
Ability to lift 50lbs or more, in addition to standing, walking, bending, and stooping throughout the work schedule
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to multitask efficiently
Ability to work in a team and adapt to dynamic work environment
Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Responds well to changing project priorities. Demonstrate a level of adaptability and composure necessary in commissioning a new processing line.
Independently carry out assignments and review data for accuracy and trends and communicate any concerns
Able to work with fresh raw meats and other food ingredients
Follow established company policies and those outlined in the Employee Handbook
Be willing and able to cross train on all…