Smokehouse Operator - 2nd Shift

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats

Title: Smokehouse Operator 

Schedule: 2nd/B Nights

1st Week: Monday-Thursday 6:00 pm - 6:00 am

2nd Week: Monday-Wednesday 6:00 pm - 6:00 am

The primary purpose of the Smokehouse Operator is to operate and monitor all smokehouse processes. The role of the Smokehouse Operator is to ensure the product is cooked in a safe and efficient manner to the highest possible quality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
• Load and unload product into and out of ovens.
• Work to increase efficiencies and product quality.
• Verify work and storage areas are maintained, safe, clean and organized.
• Monitor each smokehouse and product cook for accurate cooking process.
• Understand product thickness to adjust smokehouse process to properly adjust cooking procedures.
• Understand and rotate product within the smokehouse when needed when monitoring smokehouse process.
• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s, and SSOP’s.
• Set oven controllers to correct program indicated in product specifications.
• Monitor oven cycles and product through testing samples.
• Perform various tests at required intervals such as PH tests on in-process and finished product, fat and moisture levels, etc.
• Complete documentation at required intervals according to company practice.
• Spray applications to products per specifications. Report detected inconsistencies to supervisors, quality assurance personnel, or managers.
• Sanitize designated drains, floors, and equipment at required intervals.
• 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 accidents and deficiencies to the lead/foreman/supervisor.
• Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly.
• Monitor work environment for general food safety hazards such as condensation monitoring, etc.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED or one to three months related experience/training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• One to two years of relevant experience
• Experience working with Alkar and/or EnviroPak Smokehouse Ovens
• Knowledge of SAP

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

• Strong written and oral communication skills required
• Must demonstrate a positive, professional image of themselves and the company
• Strong problem solving abilities required
• Must be able to anticipate, recognize, and resolve various issues and obstacles
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Must be able to work in an ever changing, team environment
• Good organizational skills; demonstrated ability to prioritize work load effectively.
• Ability to calculate using fractions, decimals, and percentages, copy figures, count and record without transposing numbers.
• Ability to follow written or verbal instructions using several variables.
• Must be able to speak, read and write in the English language enough to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to work with diverse group of people with varying levels of education and expertise background.
• Must be able to work odd shifts, work nights, weekends, rotating shifts and short notice overtime based upon plant needs.
• Must be able to perform repetitive functions.
• Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proven thorough understanding of fermentation processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be 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 employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

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