Company Description

At Jack Link’s, we feed the journey. We take pride in rolling up our sleeves and getting things done together. Fueled by creativity, passion, and a commitment to doing things the right way, we tackle the hard stuff first and focus on real progress, bold moves, and no excuses. We create opportunities, celebrate wins, own our misses, and push forward as a team, knowing our strength comes from supporting one another and having fun along the way. We cultivate a workplace where passion meets purpose and our Team Members are inspired, recognized, and rewarded for their contributions. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and build something meaningful, we want you! 

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s is strategically positioned with production, distribution, and support centers in key locations throughout North America, Brazil, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. This global network allows Jack Link's to deliver a wide variety of high-quality, great tasting protein snacks to consumers around the world. The company’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats®, BiFi®, Peperami® , Mariani and Local Legends Meat Snacks.

Job Description

The basic function of the Production Operator is to perform all operational functions on the machines to achieve production goals on a daily and annual basis. Incumbent performs necessary functions in order to efficiently, safely, and correctly process materials in preparation for packaging. 

Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition. 

Set-up, operate, and perform change-over procedures of machine in accordance with operating standard protocols and machine settings. 

Change rolls of film, zipper, scavengers, stickers, etc. in a timely manner to minimize down time and lost material. 

Checks and sets proper controls, maintains equipment, and ability to change over processing equipment based on product requirements 

Ability to follow SOPs, changeover procedures, and disassembly of equipment in preparation for sanitation 

Partner with Maintenance to minimize downtime. Communicate effectively with Maintenance Team Members to prevent and address any machine malfunctions. Help complete basic troubleshooting or repair. Complete basic preventative maintenance. 

Continually strive to maximize productivity and efficiency while decreasing waste. 

Ability to assemble and disassemble machines. 

Perform necessary quality checks at start of shift and at each new product changeover and specified intervals; document on paperwork/tablet, (Example: code date, correct label, upper/lower film, lot number, etc.) 

Follow daily production schedule and achieve specified goals. 

Ensure quality protocols & SOPs are followed and openly communicate with FSQ to meet Gold Standard specifications. 

Ensure product conforms to specifications (i.e., weights & lengths) by performing periodic checks on output. 

Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition. 

Prevent and minimize rework and/or inedible waste. 

Record and validate (paper or electronically) daily production paperwork, process monitors, and daily run logs completely and accurately. 

Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies. 

Work with material handler to ensure the correct quantities of materials required are in stock for production  

Ensure Team Members are working safely and efficiently  

Encourage a team spirit where all associates have pride in their line, and therefore continually attempt to break records and set new production standards. 

Routinely communicate with your Supervisor, clearly understand directives, discuss decisions, and action plans, and share information. 

Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training, along with company pre-requisite programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), USDA Guidelines, and Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP’s). 

Accurately complete all necessary paperwork as directed. 

Successfully complete all necessary technical training and skills verification as directed. 

Successfully complete all necessary soft skills training as directed. 

Perform all required sanitation functions within acceptable standards. 

Attend all department and company scheduled meetings. 

Performs other duties and responsibilities, as necessary. 

SAFETY 

Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; LOTO, wear PPE and maintain safety equipment. 

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area. 

Immediately report all incidents and deficiencies to the lead/foreman/supervisor. 

Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

 

Required Experience: 12 months of related experience or training 

Preferred: High School Diploma or GED preferred. Machine Operator experience/training or equivalent  within a manufacturing food industry facility. 

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES 

Ability to understand, follow, and execute written and verbal instructions Able to organize and prioritize in a multi-tasking environment. Able to understand and follow Chemical & Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures and policies. Ability to perform simple addition and subtraction  Must work effectively with all levels of management and team members Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, presentation, and positive attitude  

Additional Information

The pay range for this role is $18.75 - $25.54 (Hourly). Actual wage will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products, and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.