General Labor

Job Title: General Labor
Department: Supply Chain
Reports to: Supervisor

The ideal candidate will possess and live by Mercer Foods core values.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ● ACCOUNTABILITY ● INTEGRITY ● PERSONAL GROWTH AND WELLNESS ● TEAMWORK ● WORK – LIFE BALANCE


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: A General Labor team member is responsible to assist in the production of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables and other products. This role includes receiving, inspecting, milling, packing, and distributing the product. In this role, you must adhere to standard work methods and practice safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible. This role requires the ability to read instructions and/or labels efficiently, attach labels and tags to products and packages, communicate effectively and frequent lifting of raw products in preparation for processing. In this role, you may transport raw and processed materials to designated areas, using a pallet jack. This role requires the ability to prepare freeze dried product for finished goods completion which will require lifting, pushing, pulling, and transporting of goods. Thorough understanding of safe food practices and the ability to follow direction is vital. This role is cross trained between the stages of freeze-dried goods, to processing and sorting, to packaging.   

COMPETENCIES: 
Living Mercer Values Demonstrates the characteristics and behaviors of an individual who is living Mercer's values. Mercer's values are accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, personal growth and wellness, teamwork, and work-life balance.
AttendanceAttendance is essential in demonstrating dependability. A reliable team member is on time for all scheduled shifts and is present as scheduled. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for attendance does not meet expectations of position.
PerformanceDemonstrates the skills and abilities to perform his or her job. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for any combination of disciplinary actions does not meet expectations of position.
SafetyGood judgement is demonstrated at all times to maintain a safe work environment. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for safety related incidents does not meet expectations of position.
TrainingCurrent training is an indication of job preparedness from a safety, job skills, and food safety perspective. An employee that has completed all training expectations throughout the year as it pertains to his or her job requirements demonstrates that he or she meets the expectations of his or her position. A person that has past due trainings does not meet the expectations of his or her position.

SKILLS: 

Attention to DetailCompletes tasks efficiently and accurately while paying close attention to detail.
Basic Reading ComprehensionReads instructions / labels and performs work as assigned by department supervisor or lead.
CommunicationPossesses strong communication skills and can explain complex concepts in ways everyone can understand. Is often seen as having strong interpersonal skills.
DiscrepanciesInvestigate and correct data discrepancies
DocumentationMaintain proper documentation and records.
Follows InstructionsReads instructions / labels and performs work as assigned by department supervisor or lead.
Load / UnloadSafely and accurately load and unload product onto or into trays, boxes, or conveyors.
Other DutiesPerforms other duties and tasks as assigned.
Process CompletionIs responsible for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual process completion.
Product IdentificationCompares identifying information and counts, weighs, or measures items of incoming and outgoing product to verify information against bills of lading, orders, or other records.
Production LineActively participate in or monitor the production line to forestall potential bottlenecks, pile-ups, jams, or other issues being incorrect.
Production ProcessingPrepares raw or dried material for processing or packaging.
ProductivityBalances quality, productivity, cost, safety and morale to achieve positive results in all areas. Works to continuously improve in all areas.
Proper Operation of EquipmentProper operation of equipment to safety and productivity requirements.
Safe Work HabitsProper use of safety devices, such as lock-out, and maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
Safety CulturePrioritize a culture of safety and ensure ongoing communication of safety related priorities, champion process improvements with a focus on elimination of preventable workplace incidents.

REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to perform physical and mental work requirements of position. Perform basic math and demonstrate an ability to communicate orally or in written form effectively with co-workers and departments, including the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. This person must have an ability to perform as part of a team.

FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: 
•Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Mercer Food’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
•Hold self and others accountable to Mercer Foods food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.
•In the absence of Lead serves as back up to ensure all food safety, quality objectives and SQF system requirements are met.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and frequent fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires the following percentages of time committed to physical activity: 20% or more sitting, 70% or more walking, and 70% or more standing. The job is performed under frequent temperature variations and in a food manufacturing production environment. Unrestricted visual and audio abilities are required for the safety of all employees. The ability to lift to 40 lbs. is required.