Dryer Operator - Ross Plant

SUMMARY:

Regulate the drying process by controlling conveyor systems, temperatures, and equipment to reduce moisture levels in products while communicating with co-workers and maintaining equipment to meet process needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Other duties may be assigned. All of the following are to be performed while adhering to Tree Top operational policies, safety rules, procedures and good manufacturing practices.

It is the responsibility of every employee at Tree Top Inc. to report food safety and food quality problems or risks to personnel with the authority to initiate action against these said possible risks. The Organization chart indicated key personnel with the authority to take action.

This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of all responsibilities and tasks.

1. Weekly Start-Up
   
   
   
   • Ensure equipment is properly set up, clean, and ready to run
   • Check customer specification sheets
   
   
   
   

1. Operate Dryer Process
   
   
   
   • Monitor temperatures, chain speed, and bed depth; amount/flow of fruit into the dryer
   • Adjust temperatures according to flow of incoming product
   • Make appropriate temperature and dryer chain speed adjustments to obtain moisture levels which adhere to customer specifications
   • Monitor operation of dryer; troubleshoot and diagnose problems as necessary
   • Visually check all dryer equipment to ensure proper operation
   • Possess mechanical skills necessary to assist in annual repair and maintenance of dryer
   • Operate personal computer and Programmable Logic Controller
   • Process re-work product as needed
   
   
   
   

1. Ensure Product Moisture Meets Customer Specifications
   
   
   
   • Make appropriate adjustments to process to meet required moisture levels
   • Receive information from Moisture Tech regarding moisture levels
   • Check moisture chart to ensure product meets customer specifications
   • Check specification sheets per product as required
   
   
   
   

1. Communicate Effectively
   
   
   
   • Exchange information with Supervisor, Moisture Tech and co-workers regarding process functions and needs
   • Instruct Dryer Sanitation person regarding process needs
   • Communicate tasks to Dryer Sanitation person and co-workers as required
   • Instruct/train Dryer Sanitation person and co-workers as necessary
   • Notify Mechanics and Supervisor regarding mechanical problems/issues
   • Notify Supervisor of any problems
   • Perform appropriate transfer of information to next Dryer Operator and Supervisor at shift change
   • Communicate with Process Team Leader about the availability and condition of fruit
   
   
   
   

1. Maintain GMPs
   
   
   
   • Organize crews to perform both ongoing and week-ending sanitation duties
   • Delegate specific tasks to crew members
   • Ensure cleaning procedures are followed in proper sequence
   • Train/monitor crew in use of proper cleaning/sanitizing chemical-handling procedures and equipment
   • Maintain a clean work area; keep floors swept, brooms, squeegees, etc.; in proper place; empty trash cans/bins as needed
   • Empty product waste containers and debris as needed
   • Inspect conveyor system to comply with GMPs and ensure a smooth process flow
   • Adhere to GMP standards throughout the entire plant
   
   
   
   

1. Ensure Food Safety by Following HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points)
   
   
   
   • Maintain personal cleanliness, wash hands frequently, wear hairnet, wear sanitary gloves
   • Do not store chemicals too close to food products
   • Avoid spilling oil or cleaning fluids on food products
   • Avoid cross-contamination
   • Follow color code policy
   • Follow proper procedures, practices, training
   • Verify correct ingredients are being used
   • Do not use contaminated raw materials
   • Be familiar with all process flow diagrams
   • Know all critical control points in all processes; i.e. metal detection
   • Sort out foreign material; i.e. wood, stickers, plastic, etc.
   
   
   
   

1. Lock-Out Tag-Out
   
   
   
   • Make sure to have a complete and clear understanding of all Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures
   • Use proper Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures at all times (washing/cleaning machinery, etc.)
   
   
   
   

1. Complete Paperwork Accurately
   
   
   
   • Update information on dry erase board for co-workers
   • Complete Dryer Report for your shift
   • Record all variances, completely and accurately on shift variance report
   
   
   
   

1. Operate Computer
   
   
   
   • Operate AS-400 computer software program to perform data entry
   
   
   
   

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or up to one month related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate and ratio.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to lead, coach, and direct crew to meet process and production objectives. Communicate effectively to accomplish on-the-job training programs. Lead by example. Follow the basic principles of leadership:
• Focus on the situation, issue, or behavior, not the person
• Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others
• Maintain constructive relationships with employees, peers, and managers
• Take initiative to make things better
• Lead by example

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 frequently required to walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and smell.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to complete paperwork and operate equipment, distance vision to monitor process and check co-workers, color vision to identify color/burn of product, peripheral vision to operate equipment and watch for forklifts, depth perception to adjust equipment and climb stairs, and the ability to adjust focus for monitoring the process and safety of co-workers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extremely hot conditions, near moving mechanical parts, and vibrations. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places, is exposed to toxic/caustic chemicals and possibility of electrical shock.
• The noise level is usually extremely loud

NOTICE:

The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. All employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department to review and discuss the essential and nonessential functions of the job. The employee with a disability can evaluate the job in greater detail to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

DISCLAIMER:

Job profiles are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, skills, efforts, working conditions or similar behaviors, attributes or requirements associated with a job. A job profile is not a comprehensive job description. It is intended for the sole purpose of acquainting a person who is unfamiliar with such position with a brief overview of the position's general direction and scope. This position profile is company confidential, is intended for internal use only and may not be copied or reproduced by anyone for any purpose without written permission from the Vice President of Human Resources.

Full benefit details for this position can be found on our website https://treetop.com/careers/

The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. A full job description is available at the time of interview.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this job with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the department/division to accommodate the limitation. Tree Top does not employ individuals under the age of 18.

Tree Top is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation to participate in our application process, please contact Human Resources at: hr@treetop.com or 509-697-7251.