Process Machine Operator I

About SunOpta
SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.


SunOpta Overview:
SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.
SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:
Process Machine Operator I is responsible for processing a variety of liquid products to ensure sterility. Ensures quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements by following written and verbal procedures. Follows all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position. Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Essential Functions of the Job:
• Coordinates process set-up of production, CIP, and sanitizing a variety of processing equipment to be completed in a timely manner. Maximizing the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area setting up the next shift for success.
• Begins to assist with routine maintenance as directed on all processing equipment. This includes but is not limited to: valves, replacing “o” rings, homogenizer packings. Maintains oil level, air lines, sterile air filters and gaskets. Document correctly when filling out maintenance work orders and place into completed work order box.
• Relieves other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Perform a variety of Critical Control Point (CCP) checks to assure standards are met. For example, verify steam and air pressure gauges as it relates to the process and their importance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving the processing equipment
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA Fill and drain Tower water in the correct sequence and turning on the fans.
• Be able to adjust the steam valve for the steam injector as required.
• Understanding of the process flow from Aseptic Mixing through Processing to Filling.
• Effectively communicate with the Aseptic Mixers to coordinate the process and flow of separations prior to initiating a separation.
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.
• Accurately prepares and maintains processing area documentation.
• Writing legibly and completely filling out all documents. Operators name must be signed on each document used.

Maintenance
• When Maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.
• When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.

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 endeavors

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.
• When utilizing the Handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communic