Operator, Assistant - Retort

Job Title: Retort Operator Assistant

Reports to: Production Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location(s): Boardman, Ohio

Last Updated: March 2025

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary Safely and properly load and unload retort cages, support retort operations and paperwork requirements, and ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, food safety, and company operating standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely and properly change over and operate equipment located in the immediate retort work area.
• Properly and thoroughly clean and sanitize the immediate work area.
• Help load and unload retort cages as needed.
• Perform operator-level adjustments and preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Accurately complete all required paperwork and touchscreen entries.
• Ensure completion of rework activities, including directing and training temporary workers when required.
• Follow SGFM, Quality, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and Preventive Controls procedures and regulations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of weights, measurements, measurement conversions, and kettle batching.
• Build a team environment within the work area and throughout the organization.
• Complete instructions and goals assigned by the supervisor.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks as required after certification and training.
• Work effectively under pressure while multitasking.
• Ensure retort cages are stored safely and assist with loading and unloading activities.
• Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on warehouse equipment.
• Maintain and protect all entrusted property in excellent condition.
• Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Work safely at all times, following OSHA, DOT, and company safety rules and regulations.

Qualifications & Skills Required Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Equipment operation experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Ability to operate retort area equipment safely.
• Forklift and pallet jack operation capability.
• Basic mathematics, reading, and production documentation skills.
• Ability to read and write English fluently.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to follow directions and production schedules.
• Attention to detail and food safety compliance.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions This position requires the physical ability to safely perform manufacturing and retort support activities in a food production environment.

• Frequent lifting of materials up to and including 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull materials up to 700 pounds.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and bend.
• Manual dexterity with the ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently climb ladders and stairs.
• Able to work in hot/humid environments exceeding 110°F and cold environments below -20°F.

FREQUENT: Standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, equipment operation, and sanitation activities. OCCASIONAL: Climbing, working in extreme temperatures, operating powered equipment, and rework activities. VISION: Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction.

HEARING: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description. The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.