Trim Table Operator

Position Summary

The Trim Table Operator is responsible for inspecting and trimming sweet potatoes as they move through the processing line. This position ensures that product meets company quality standards by removing defective, damaged, rotten, undersized, or otherwise unacceptable potatoes and foreign material. The operator must maintain a steady production flow while following all food safety, quality, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the trim table and related processing equipment.
• Visually inspect sweet potatoes for defects, damage, decay, discoloration, foreign material, and other quality issues.
• Remove defective or unacceptable product from the processing line.
• Trim damaged or undesirable portions of sweet potatoes as required by product specifications.
• Maintain consistent product quality and production rates.
• Monitor the flow of product and notify the line lead or supervisor of excessive defects, equipment problems, or production issues.
• Separate and properly dispose of rejected product and waste.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of product buildup and debris.
• Follow established food safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and sanitation procedures.
• Follow company procedures for allergen, foreign-material, and contamination prevention.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hair restraints, safety footwear, and other equipment as required.
• Safely use knives, trimming tools, or other approved equipment when applicable.
• Report unsafe conditions, injuries, equipment malfunctions, or food-safety concerns immediately.
• Assist with line changeovers, startup, shutdown, and cleaning activities as assigned.
• Complete required production, quality, and sanitation records accurately.
• Work cooperatively with other production employees to maintain efficient line operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Quality Responsibilities

The Trim Table Operator is expected to:

• Maintain company standards for product appearance and quality.
• Remove potatoes that do not meet established specifications.
• Prevent defective product from continuing to downstream processing.
• Watch for signs of spoilage, rot, mold, foreign material, or contamination.
• Immediately report significant quality problems to the supervisor or quality department.
• Follow all customer and product-specific specifications.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follow all plant food-safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and comply with GMP requirements.
• Keep hands, tools, equipment, and work surfaces clean.
• Follow proper procedures for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and work areas.
• Prevent cross-contamination and protect product from foreign materials.
• Report any food-safety concern immediately.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all plant safety rules and procedures.
• Wear required PPE at all times.
• Use knives and trimming equipment safely and only as trained.
• Never bypass machine guards or safety devices.
• Keep floors and work areas clear to reduce slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Report injuries, hazards, spills, and unsafe equipment immediately.
• Participate in required safety training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during the work shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to inspect product continuously for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and twist as required by the workstation.
• Ability to lift and move materials within company-established limits.
• Ability to work in a wet, cold, noisy, or fast-paced food-processing environment.
• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Previous food-processing or manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in produce inspection, trimming, grading, or quality control is a plus.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to recognize and remove product defects.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a production team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to follow food-safety, sanitation, and safety procedures.

Performance Expectations

Successful employees in this position are expected to:

• Maintain product quality and inspection standards.
• Maintain an appropriate production pace.
• Minimize defective product reaching downstream processes.
• Follow food-safety and sanitation requirements.
• Work safely and efficiently.
• Communicate production and quality issues promptly.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance and teamwork.