Utility Worker

Position Summary The Utility Worker – Soup provides cross-functional support across Weigh Up (including slurry preparation), cooking, machine operation, packaging, and material handling functions within the Soup Department. This role supports safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations while adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), workplace safety policies, HACCP/Preventive Controls, and SQF requirements. The position may operate and monitor processing and packaging equipment, including kettles, cheese shredders, filling systems (Fill Tech), laners, lidders, labelers, and sleevers in accordance with approved procedures. Food safety validation, program oversight, and product disposition authority remain under Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA). Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential Functions Ingredient Preparation, Slurry Preparation & Inventory Control Prepare, weigh, measure, trim, wash, shred, or portion raw materials and ingredients according to approved recipes and batch records Operate cheese shredding equipment in accordance with SOPs and sanitation requirements Prepare ingredient slurries or blends according to validated formulations and mixing parameters Verify ingredient identity, lot codes, allergen status, and quantities prior to use Stage prepared ingredients and slurries for production while maintaining proper identification, labeling, and segregation Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) inventory practices Support ingredient traceability requirements and accurate batch documentation Report discrepancies in ingredient identity, labeling, or condition immediately Cooking & Thermal Processing (SQF – Process Control & CCP Management) Operate industrial kettles and related cooking systems in accordance with validated processing parameters Incorporate shredded cheese, slurries, and other ingredients into batch formulations per approved recipes Prepare, cook, and process food products according to approved batch records and product specifications Monitor and document critical process limits such as time, temperature, pressure, and hold times Record required CCP or preventive control data accurately and in real time Take corrective actions within established procedures and immediately notify supervision of process deviations Escalate food safety deviations to supervision and FSQA Maintain product safety, legality, and quality during all cooking operations Equipment Setup & Machine Operation Set up, operate, monitor, and shut down food processing and packaging machinery in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Operate equipment, including but not limited to: Kettles Cheese shredders Fill Tech filling systems Laners Lidders Labelers Sleevers Load raw materials into equipment and remove finished products while maintaining production and quality standards Adjust machine settings within authorized parameters to meet product specifications Monitor machine performance, product flow, fill weights, seal integrity, label placement, and safety indicators throughout the shift Identify and report mechanical issues or performance irregularities Assist with equipment changeovers and line adjustments under supervision Maintain accurate production, downtime, and quality documentation Production & Packaging Support Inspect packaging components for quality and correct labeling Verify proper lid application, seal integrity, label accuracy, and sleeve placement Assist with palletizing, case packing, and staging finished goods Remove nonconforming product in accordance with company procedures Sanitation & Housekeeping Clean and sanitize kettles, shredders, mixing vessels, and packaging machinery as assigned Follow Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) Maintain orderly, inspection-ready work areas Support pre-operational inspection readiness Prevent cross-contact of allergens during equipment cleaning and changeovers Material Handling Operate pallet jacks or powered industrial trucks (if trained and authorized) Stage ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods Assist with loading and unloading trucks Verify basic counts and documentation accuracy GMP & Food Safety Compliance Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times Comply with HACCP, Preventive Controls, allergen management, and traceability programs Follow documented batch records and work instructions without deviation Immediately report food safety concerns or deviations Maintain accurate and legible documentation Safety & OSHA Compliance Operate kettles, shredders, mixers, and packaging equipment safely and within the scope of training Follow machine guarding and lockout/tagout awareness procedures (authorized personnel perform LOTO) Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including cut-resistant gloves where applicable Follow burn prevention, mechanical guarding, and machine safety protocols Report unsafe conditions, injuries, or near-miss incidents Cross-Functional Support Rotate between ingredient prep, shredding, slurry preparation, kettle operation, filling, packaging line equipment, sanitation, and material handling duties Support startup and shutdown procedures Assist other departments as operational needs require Participate in continuous improvement initiatives Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred Ability to follow recipes, batch records, and equipment SOPs accurately Ability to weigh and measure ingredients precisely Ability to verify lot codes and maintain traceability documentation Basic math and documentation skills Ability to operate processing and packaging equipment safely after training Preferred Qualifications Experience operating kettles, cheese shredders, mixing systems, or slurry preparation equipment Experience in food manufacturing or high-speed packaging environments Familiarity with HACCP, CCP monitoring, allergen control, and SQF systems Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification Physical Demands (ADA-Compliant) Ability to stand for extended periods Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation Ability to work near steam, heated surfaces, and moving machinery Ability to bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions Ability to wear required PPE, including hair restraints, gloves (including cut-resistant where required), heat protection, and safety footwear Compensation: $21 - $25 hourly plus $2 hourly shift differential Responsibilities: Operate and monitor food processing and packaging equipment, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. Prepare, weigh, and measure ingredients accurately, following approved recipes and batch records. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and work areas, supporting inspection readiness at all times. Verify ingredient identity, lot codes, and allergen status, ensuring accurate traceability documentation. Monitor critical process limits such as time, temperature, and pressure, taking corrective actions as needed. Assist with equipment setup, changeovers, and line adjustments to meet production specifications. Inspect packaging components for quality, ensuring correct labeling and seal integrity throughout the shift. Qualifications: Experience in operating and monitoring food processing and packaging equipment. Ability to follow recipes, batch records, and equipment SOPs accurately. Proven track record of maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in work areas. Ability to verify ingredient identity, lot codes, and allergen status. Experience in monitoring critical process limits such as time, temperature, and pressure. Ability to assist with equipment setup, changeovers, and line adjustments. Experience in inspecting packaging components for quality and seal integrity. About Company Sandridge Crafted Foods has earned its place as a leader in chef-crafted food for a reason. It’s our continuing investment in our people and culture – from chefs and food scientists to those who craft and deliver our products – and cutting-edge processes that ensure you always get the highest quality, freshest products on your shelves, in your commercial kitchens, and on the table to delight your customers.