Sunflower Seed Packaging Specialist

Company Overview:

SunGold Foods Inc., a division of Red River Commodities, specializes in creating roasted ingredients and food products tailored to meet customer-specific formulations. Our team is built around core values focused on family, pride, passion, and integrity.

About the Role:

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Packaging Associate to join our team at our sunflower seed roasting and co-packaging facility. In this role, you will be responsible for packaging roasted sunflower seeds into smaller bags, accurately counting them, placing them into boxes, and ensuring they are ready to be sent down the line for palletization.

Responsibilities:

• Packaging Operations: Accurately package roasted sunflower seeds into small bags (typically 1-2 pounds), ensuring proper fill levels and consistent weight. Place bags into boxes for shipping.
• Counting and Organizing: Count bags of sunflower seeds to ensure the correct quantity is placed in each box, based on customer order requirements. Maintain accuracy when stacking and organizing boxes for the next phase of production.
• Quality Control: Inspect each bag and box for quality standards, ensuring products are free of defects, properly sealed, and correctly labeled. Address any discrepancies or packaging issues as they arise.
• Boxing and Labeling: Ensure that boxes are correctly sealed and labeled with accurate product information before sending them down the production line for palletizing.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area. Ensure that safety equipment (PPE) is used at all times and that packaging areas are free from potential hazards.
• Documentation: Complete any required documentation, including production logs, quality control checks, and inventory counts. Ensure all paperwork is accurate and up to date.
• Collaboration: Work closely with team members, supervisors, and other departments to maintain workflow and meet production schedules. Assist in organizing and preparing the packaging area for upcoming production runs.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in ongoing training and contribute to process improvements that enhance packaging efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in packaging, manufacturing, or food production is a plus but not required.
• Basic knowledge of packaging equipment (e.g., bagging machines, scales, conveyors) is preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 40 pounds and occasionally assist with larger boxes (e.g., 50-60 pounds) as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining product quality.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow instructions and safety protocols meticulously.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, or overtime as needed.

Compensation Details:

This role offers an estimated salary of $17.50 per hour, with opportunities for additional pay for skills and shift differential.

Working Conditions:

• The position is based in a production environment where temperatures may fluctuate, with exposure to warmer areas during roasting and cooler environments in other parts of the facility.
• Noise Levels: The facility can be noisy due to machinery and equipment operation. Hearing protection is required in specific areas to comply with safety standards.
• Physical Demands: Employees will be required to stand for extended periods, frequently lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, and occasionally handle larger boxes (up to 60 pounds) with assistance. Light bending and reaching are also required.
• PPE Requirements: All employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, and hairnets or other protective headgear, as necessary.
• Shift Work: The role may require rotating shifts, evening shifts, and weekend work based on production needs. Flexibility in working hours is essential.
• Hazards: Employees must work safely around machinery, conveyors, and potentially hot surfaces. Adherence to all safety protocols and guidelines is crucial.
• Work Pace: The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and efficiently while maintaining high levels of accuracy and product quality.