Production Associate Jobs in Lena, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hours and Shift
5AM - 5PM
2/2/3 Schedule
Pay Range
Starting at $25.70
$3 Night shift premium (6pm - 6am) and $2.25 Weekend shift premium (Saturday and Sunday shifts).
Grande Cheese Company is a family owned enterprise built on a tradition, quality and outstanding performance. We are dedicated to our cultural pride, professional excellence and to the dignity and respect of our Associates.
Overview
Grande operates in a High Performance Work Team (HPWT) structure. A HPWT is an Associate inspired and led journey of continuous growth and improvement to foster Grande Mission and Culture. We strive to empower Associates to develop their knowledge and skills through our Skill Block model. In this model, Associates are assessed and placed into a "skill block" that identifies and aligns with their abilities and knowledge within a specific job area. Along with possessing and maintaining knowledge of those skills, the following describes the overall duties, responsibilities and expectations, encompassing all skill levels, of this position. Not all duties may be required to be performed until the necessary skills are attained.
Production Generalists perform a variety of jobs and processes involved in cheese/whey manufacturing, processing and/or distribution, based on the facility's daily staffing needs, ensuring product is produced and delivered according to company specifications, quality and safety objectives.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
1. Production/Packaging/Equipment/Intake/Warehouse
a. Perform a majority of the tasks and duties of any of the positions within a dept/product line that fall in the same or lower skill block level in which you are currently qualified for based on completed assessments.
b. Cross train and become proficient in multiple departments within the facility.
c. Ensure production is running efficiently and processes meet Grande and regulatory standards.
d. Carry out a variety of production duties from preparatory to critical stage processes such as loading and unloading, setup and monitoring of equipment, stirring/mixing, cooking, testing, analyzing, packaging, inspecting, final preparation, recording data and providing feedback to Process Leaders.
e. Setup, operate, monitor, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment to ensure everything is operating effectively and processes are moving through the stages correctly. Make adjustments as needed to accommodate weight, temperature, time and sensory changes.
2. Sanitation
a. Perform sanitation of production areas and equipment, which may include: vats, conveyors, machines, tanks, pipes, fans, silos, hoses, and other dairy and packaging equipment. Dismantle, clean, scrub, foam, power wash & rinse, sanitize, de-scale, de-mineralize, and re- assembly to ensure removal of all debris and build-up.
b. Maintain a clean working area by performing general sanitation including cleaning walls, floors, windows, sinks, scales, drains, footbaths, and electrical panels to keep areas free from pathogens and chemical contamination.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Safety
a. Complete all required documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting as required by law and/or regulatory agencies, (i.e. DNR, DOL, EEOC, FDA, IMS, OSHA, SQF, USDA, WDA, etc.).
b. Follow all SAFETY (food & workplace) policies and procedures.
4. Additional Responsibilities
a. Complete required paperwork, logs, and data entry into required computer systems (Scanworx, PowerApp, D365).
b. Thoroughly understand processes and independently make decisions that affect product quality.
c. Follow company policies and procedures.
d. Be a resource and assist with training new Associates on equipment and procedures.
e. Provide back-up relief as needed.
f. Provide recommendations and feedback to Process Leaders and Managers with regard to improvements for quality, safety, efficiency, eliminating waste, cost savings, and eliminating redundancy and unnecessary manual processes.
g. Obtain & renew licenses/certifications required for this role in a timely manner.
Read Only Text - Disclaimer
The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that maybe assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
High School or GED preferred.
Experience & Training
• Prior related work experience and/or training is required, typically a minimum of one (1) or more years is needed for obtaining the required skills.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Math, reading, and writing skills
• Ability to comprehend and follow technical instructions/policies/procedures in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Computer skills
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.