Cook Trainee

The Cook Trainee prepares product batches as indicated on the daily schedule while maintaining the company’s standards of quality. Problems or questions are referred to either a Cook or Supervisor. This position is developmental in leading to a Cook’s position. A Cook Trainee must be proficient in specific product categories before being awarded the Cook’s responsibilities.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

KY Buckner

Job Type:

Job Posting Title:

Cook Trainee

Job Description:

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

• In cooperation with the Cook, prepares batch products according to instructions, noting vendors and lot numbers on batching sheets.
• Using the formula specification sheets, prepares the product following procedures as written and demonstrated.
• Process includes weighing, lifting and dumping ingredients and monitoring the cooking process through reading gauges and making adjustments as needed.
• Performs quality checks as required.
• Notifies Cook and/or Supervisor when batch process cannot be brought within specification.
• Works with production line personnel to prepare product for packaging process.
• Maintains clean and safe working environment in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

• Safely and accurately perform all duties as required for this position to ensure the safety and quality of our products.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Critical Skill Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Validation on position or machine will be required after initial training and every 6 months.
• Must be able to drive a forklift and be willing to obtain a forklift certification.
• Must be dependable, reliable and mature enough to handle equipment safely and sensibly.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instruction, as well as basic math calculations.
• Must be able to work independently as well as effectively in a team environment.
• Must be able to work on all lines and perform all positions, including changeovers.
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays, as determined by  business needs.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution preferred.
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to perform the following:  standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning and stooping.
• Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time. 
• Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements:

• Must wear all required personal protection equipment associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel.
• Maintain clean and safe working environment and follow all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.
• Inform Management of any food safety or quality issues or of any processes which become noncompliant with specified requirements.

Food Safety:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Controls further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we see