Packaging Operator-Bulk

Job in a Nutshell

The Bulk Packaging Operator is responsible for packaging of bulk foods and spices at the Natural Grocers Distribution Center in Golden. This position performs daily setup and operation of mechanical and electrical packaging equipment, including scales, baggers, labelers, metal detectors, and case sealers. The Packaging Operator must be able to work at a steady pace for 10-hour shifts, standing for 90% of the time. This position packs and labels products accurately and efficiently and completes necessary production logs. This position works under FSMA guidelines.

Main Ingredients

• Daily setup and breakdown of production equipment and workstations with necessary packaging materials, tools, and GMP items
• Prep and weigh product for individual finished container sizes
• Pack products to accurate weights at an acceptable pace by operating semi-automated scales and baggers; some manual packaging required
• Assess quality of product being packed; communicate non-conformances to Lead or QA
• Use automated bagging equipment to seal individual bags; ensure adequate seals
• Operate packaging equipment; includes troubleshooting and making adjustments in accordance with established work standards; operate touch screen to program code dates, product weights, speeds, and other relevant information
• Label product accurately and efficiently
• Accurately pack finished bags into boxes or trays; operate case sealing and coding machines
• Manually palletize products according to specifications
• Provide backup relief in the absence of machine operators in herb/spice room
• Maintain standard efficiency and accuracy of equipment and manual tasks
• Complete necessary production forms with accurate information
• Keep a sanitary work environment throughout the shift
• Follow production schedule; understand run sequence and cleaning requirements
• Perform required cleaning including washing, sanitizing, sweeping & mopping area daily
• Follow all GMP’s, SSOP’s, Organic, Allergen, and HACCP standards

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success:

• Minimum 1 -year recent experience in operating food production machinery preferred
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions as provided
• Basic computer skills required, working knowledge of production systems
• Must have good attention to detail; accuracy and thoroughness is a must
• Ability to work with others in a fast-paced team environment
• Ability to rotate through all workstations in the processing area
• Must work 40 hours per week and be available for overtime as needed
• Must be reliable and on time every day
• Mechanical aptitude/skills preferred
• Able to assist in other departments as needed

This job description is not an employment contract. It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities. The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice. Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

• Birthday Bonus Pay
• Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually)
• Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
• Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure
• Paid Nutrition Education
• good4u Crew Member Discount
• {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program)
• Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases
• Advancement Opportunities and Career Development
• Health and Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Program

Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance)
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match

Diversity Statement

Physical and Environmental Demands:

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to frequently lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to frequently push and pull up 50 lbs.
• Requires the use of both arms and both hands with full range of motion.
• Must be able to bend at the waist and knees, twist, push and pull on a frequent basis
• Must be able to occasionally use computer for data entry and use of mouse.
• Must be able to constantly stand for the duration of the 10-hour shift.
• Must be able to frequently walk, use fine motor manipulations, grip, squat, kneel, bend, twist, and turn.
• Must be able to occasionally crawl, climb, reach outward, and reach above chest.
• Must be able to assemble small objects

Environmental Demands:

• Must be able to constantly work with noise.
• Must be able to frequently work with sharp tools and equipment, dust, and fumes.
• Must be able to occasionally work in cold, heat, wet, humid, contact stress, chemicals, vibrations, and congested worksite.
• Must be able to work around raw spices and allergenic foods