Utility Operator 2nd

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Kernel Process Utility Operator is a hands-on team member who is responsible for supporting the Shift Supervisor and Processing Team with operation of Optical Sort Machines, shellers, pistachio line and driving of various lifts. The Kernel Process Utility will effectively communicate pertinent information to fellow employees, supervisors and managers. Provide recommendations to continuously improve area methods and processes.

Safety Ability: Promote a "safety first" culture by following all safety rules (including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Fall Protection and Hazard Communication). Report all near misses, Injuries, and documentation of incidents to Shift Supervisor/Production Supervisor/Leads.

Quality Ability: Perform all duties in accordance with Quality and GMP (good manufacturing practices) established company policies and procedures.

Position Certifications: Must obtain and maintain Forklift, Boom lift, Scissor lift certifications.

Perform other job duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor or management.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Kernel Process Utility Operator

• Operate Optical Sorting machines, shellers and pistachio line.
• Responsible for color mapping and conducting product analysis.
• Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
• Notify colorsort programmer specialist for support and or problems.
• Ensure proper screen sizes are set at KCL sizing deck.
• Ensure updated program for KCL/CSC are set for incoming or rework product.
• Run proper KCL sort program as needed for product to make handsort grade in 1 pass.
• Run proper CSC sort program as needed for product to make S10.
• Monitor and clean properly thru out shift all KCL/CSC for color sorters to perform more efficient.
• Monitor all aspiration lines thru out shift to make sure aspiration lines are clear of mill buildup.
• Inspect all KCL hopers and chutes to make sure there are no meal plug ups or buildups.
• Knowledge of pistachio products by size, weight, color and/or condition.
• Validate correct screens are placed based on SKU running thru pistachio line.
• Validate even flow is going thru each pistachio line cravnic.
• Make proper quality adjustments to color sorter that pistachio line feeds.
• Responsible for blending of nuts to meet established requirements on all pistachio line chutes.
• Ensure proper operation of color sorting equipment by monitoring flow of materials and listening for machine malfunctions, such as jamming or spillage and notify supervisors if corrective actions fail.
• Validate you have proper screens for sheller 1-2 based on WIP running.
• Set sheller 1-2 with proper feed speeds based on WIP running thru line.
• Set properly speeds for primary and secondary shellers based on WIP running.
• Start up and stop of equipment, filling up lines/hoppers for next day operations, load and unload product. conduct regular inspection of equipment, and complete request for Maintenance Work Orders to Supervisor when needed.
• Monitor and or remove all full bins of shell and dust from outside bag house thru out shift.
• Utilize scan gun to perform production locator to locater transactions, work order issuing, other X3 activities.
• Load and unload products using forklift, boom, scissor lifts.
• Dump and deliver product to specified unit locations in a safely and timely manner.
• Identify and report any faulty equipment and safety concerns to supervisor immediately.
• Clean work area and equipment regularly by removing empty bins, pallets, plastic, etc.
• Sweep nuts from floor thru out shift, weigh product and document at end of shift.
• Effectively provide shift pass downs, and other information to fellow employees, supervisors and managers.
• Ensure Food Safety System are adhered to in all processes. Includes the cleaning of forklift equipment, equipment tools used, and room upkeep of all machines.
• Perform other job duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor or management.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Time Management: Ability to organize and complete work within given timelines.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. Capable of functioning in a fast-paced entrepreneurial setting within all equipment functions in building six.
• Prioritization: Ability to quickly prioritize and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as ability to make presentations.
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build working relationships.
• Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Continuous Improvement: Active participant in continuous improvement initiatives and goals. Seeks opportunities to improve self and processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in quality control processes, machines/ Optical Sorting operations are preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Forklift experience.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Computer knowledge is a plus or the ability to learn ERP and computer systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for periods of time at work station, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

The majority of the role is performed in a manufacturing environment which may include high levels of noise. Working conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V