Machine Operator

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in the Reno/Sparks area and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits. 

We are currently accepting applications for Machine Operators / Jr. Technicians at our state-of-the-art production facility in Sparks, NV (Spanish Springs). This position will work 12 hr shifts from 4:55pm-5:25am. We have positions open on two shifts. One shift works Sunday - Tuesday and every other Saturday. The other shift works Wednesday - Friday and every other Saturday. Pay starts at $30.00 per hour (plus $3.20 night shift differential).

Because you're only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family. Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra workday and its available, it is paid at double-time.

BENEFITS

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, Adults orthodontics)
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Match – up to 5% 
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
• Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Employee appreciation events 
• Free chocolate and coating!
• Bonus Potential – Perfect Attendance ($300+ quarterly) & Year-End (5%+)
• Double Time Pay

JOB SUMMARY: 

The primary purpose of a Junior Technician is to read and understand coating recipes, produce bulk and finished coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures and also display competency in material handling. The Junior Technician / Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task and maintain a team attitude in all actions taken. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS).
• Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders.
• Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity.
• Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications. 
• Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks. 
• Shipping & Receiving: 
• Move ingredients in and out of racking, utilizing RSS inventory management system, to achieve proper first in-first out (FIFO) / product rotation procedures. 
• Load and unload inbound/outbound trailers, completing the necessary inspection forms. Requires working at heights and using fall protection to accomplish task.
• Receive, inspect, sample, tag, and route all incoming materials. Pick, pack, load, and ready orders for shipping.
• Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
• Train and certify in all eight areas noted above within the designated timeframes.
• Inspect product for color, shape, and size issues on finished products. 
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI).
• Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.).
• Operate forklift and other material handling equipment, and drive personal vehicle for work. 
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch. Maintain regular attendance at work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, multi-tasking, etc.)
• Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
• Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Lift 55 pounds on a continual basis
• Stand and walk for entire shift
• Communicate, write and read in English
• Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)
• Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat and cold
• Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.
• Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks
• Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment.
• Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks.

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.cqc.com

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