Production Associate

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following (depending on the job activity you are performing):

Packer:

• Works independently or with others to sort, pack, stock products, cartons, bags, cases of fruit or food products for shipment in a manner to prevent damage during shipment.
• Effectively and efficiently pack products at a production and accuracy rate no less than the current standard set by the Company.
• May weigh and/ or label cases or packaging appropriately.
• May assemble daily orders by shipping location or categories.
• Will ensure that individual containers are properly coded for variety and size.
• Ensure that the fruit in the individual containers has the correct quality and number of pieces.

Stacker/Dumper:

• Will breakdown the pallets by removing the containers and placing the containers on the conveyor that leads to the auto dump mechanism.
• Will check for proper stages of ripeness and size of fruit as each container is placed on the conveyor rollers; specifications of fruit must meet the requirements set forth by the customer.
• Check that the fruit in the box corresponds to the size indicated on the case label.
• Will place the trays of packed fruit in its proper container, box or flat; will build the pallets to the amount desired by the customer.
• Re-stock dry goods (trays, pads, corner boards, assorted packing material) as necessary.
• Make sure to use the correct type of pallet according to the order.
• Review and make sure that the pallet is correctly completed (number of boxes, size, case label, lock strips).
• Consistent, accurate communications with forklift drivers as to when an order/pallet is complete and ready to be transferred.
• Ensure specified product is moved quickly and accurately by forklift in a safe and responsible manner ensuring effective space utilization of facility by consolidating product according to Company specifications and customer requirements.

Quality Control:

• Continuously observe the fruit in the already packed containers, to ensure that it contains the correct number of avocados according to the size and quality corresponding to its category.
• Complete the boxes when necessary.
• Replace defective avocados or those that do not correspond to the measure.
• Efficiently remove inedible fruit (culls).
• Verify the case label information to the extent possible.

Grader/sorter:

• Continuously observe the fruit on the sorting tables. It will respond promptly and efficiently in the classification of the fruit according to the established quality standards.
• Efficiently remove inedible fruit.
• Supervise each lot of fruit and notify the Tally Room operator of the start of each lot, as well as the size and quality of the fruit.
• Respond promptly to visual and/or audible signals to detect any malfunction and call for maintenance assistance immediately when necessary to keep production moving.
• Fill out the conditional sheet to qualify each lot according to its type of defects and the number of them.

Packer Support:

• Do the setup of the counters.
• Check that the fruit size, the label, the box, and the setup of each counter are correct.
• Fill the necessary supplies around the counters.
• Supply the packers when necessary.
• Assist different departments with production needs.
• Inform supervisor of any issues with the production or the people around the counters.
• Box making.

For all:

• Communicate any concerns about the product to the production lead.
• Maintains a clean, hazard-free work area.
• Follow all Company rules and policies including safety regulations.
• Follow all food safety and good manufacturing practices.
• Promptly report violations or potential problems to supervisor.
• Reports equipment malfunctioning, issues or problems of all equipment promptly.
• Escalates difficult matters to the Team Lead or Supervisor as necessary.
• Perform other duties as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in a similar environment or position preferred.
• Flexible Schedule. (The number of working hours vary.)

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES. The individual shall possess:

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, high level of dependability and work ethic.
• Ability to be a self-starter who will be responsible for common routines.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively
• Ability to regularly lift to 30 lbs., stand and walk for prolonged periods
• Ability to work in the cooler (at 40-degree temperature approx.) if required.
• Ability to always apply good safety practices.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of food safety and good manufacturing practices.
• Commitment to the company’s values and ethics.

For Non-Exempt (Hourly) Jobs:

• The base hourly wage we reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $16.00 - $18.61.
• New hires start at $16.00.
• The actual hourly wage for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience.
• Please note that base pay is one important aspect of a compelling Total Rewards package. The base pay range indicated here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type.

WORK DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties it is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit for prolonged periods and use hands to finger, handle, lift or feel. Frequent exposure to chilled temperatures within the operations and warehouse environments. Must be able to lift, reach and move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Calavo Growers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Calavo is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Calavo are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Calavo will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.