Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Rutland, VT (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Production Associate I at Westminster Cracker Company is an entry-level role responsible for supporting the safe and efficient production of our high-quality crackers. Working under direct supervision, this position performs essential production tasks including packaging, labeling, and basic machine operation, while upholding the company's long-standing commitment to quality, food safety, and tradition. The Production Associate I contributes to ensuring that every product meets company standards and regulatory requirements, helping to deliver the trusted Westminster brand to our customers.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate basic production and packaging equipment under direct supervision.
• Assemble, package, and label products according to company specifications.
• Inspect products for quality consistency, appearance, and packaging integrity; immediately report any issues to a supervisor.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, SQF, and company food safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized work environment, including compliance with sanitation schedules.
• Assist with staging raw materials, loading/unloading supplies, and moving finished goods.
• Accurately complete required production and quality paperwork or digital logs.
• Participate in required food safety, GMP, and workplace safety training.
• Support a team-based culture that values reliability, accountability, and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor or Line Lead.
• Communicate effectively with quality staff and supervisors regarding quality issues.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• No prior experience necessary; previous food manufacturing or warehouse experience preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing safe, high-quality food.
• Basic math and reading comprehension.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Medium to heavy physical requirements, including prolonged sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time.
• Possess manual dexterity necessary to operate equipment and handle product appropriately by use of hands, fingers, arms, legs, and back.
• Possess strength and stamina to frequently push, pull, squat, bend, reach, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• Occasional need to climb ladders, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to give regular communications in person, writing, or by phone.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, or noisy manufacturing environments.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, chemicals/fumes, airborne particles, and wet floors.
• Requires frequent use of sanitation tools such as pressure washers, brushes, hoses, and chemical dispensers.
• The noise level in the environment is medium to high; Certain work environments might be noisy and loud due to the operation of machinery/equipment.
• Work can be performed in extreme heat and cold environments.
• Due to exposure to machinery on the production floor, they may be required to wear personal protective equipment as required.
• Fast-paced, production-driven environment with emphasis on teamwork, quality, and safety.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:

• Advancement to Production Associate II with demonstrated skill, reliability, and training.
• Opportunity for cross-training in machine operation, sanitation, or quality assurance.
• Potential for progression into line lead or supervisory roles as skills and experience grow.

AAP AND EEO STATEMENT:

Westminster Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Westminster Foods believes diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.