Production Operator

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 M-F schedule until Artemis 1 goes live, at which point the position becomes 12-hr.
• 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 sanitation responsibilities

Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical degree or certification in Nutrition/Food Science related field preferred
• Knowledge and experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and other related systems preferred

What We Offer

At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!

Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce

At Freshpet, we embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, sex, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. 

Freshpet aims to foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our employees are our most valuable assets. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well. Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Disclaimers

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Freshpet is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Freshpet via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Freshpet. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Freshpet as a result of the referral or through other means.

 #LI-DNI