Job Summary:

The Operations Material Handler I role is responsible for operating all energized and non-energized Forklift and Palletizing equipment including Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Floor Scrubber, Palletizing Robot and shrink wrap machines. This role ensures the efficient operation of equipment, as well as maintaining all paperwork accurately. The Operations Material Handler I will follow written and verbal instructions to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met while assuming responsibility for safety, quality, and effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Utilizing the Oracle production tools and wireless handheld RF scanners to generate labels placing them on pallets and account for inventory.
• Scan bar codes to make sure codes are accurate and legible.
• Places finished product pallets in the warehouse processing all necessary moves including immediate transactions for the final locations.
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that hinder production.
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in palletizing equipment.
• Perform forklift inspections prior to shift with accurate documentation.
• Conducts required quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure it is supplied in an efficient manor to support production.
• Maintain ingredients and material on a First in First Out basis (FIFO).
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork.
• Must be able to work both independently as well as professionally with other team members.
• Effectively communicate with the Aseptic Mixers to coordinate the process and flow of separations prior to initiating a separation.
• 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.

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 endeavor.

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.

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.
• Basic forklift skills.
• Working knowledge of business, computers, and math.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Oracle.
• Prior food industry experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Problem solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork.
• Ability to adhere to GMPs and safety procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and up to 75 pounds occasionally.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at our SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: Day and night shift opportunities available.
• Pay: Hourly pay rate for this role starts at $22.50/hour.
• Shift Differential: A shift differential is offered for working the night shift.
• Hours: Must be able to work flexible hours on occasion.
• Work Environment: The majority of work for this position will be performed in a manufacturing / plant environment.

Please note this job description is not meant to be all-inclusive nor is it 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.