Theo Chocolate – Fremont District - Seattle
Chocolate Production Operator – Theo Chocolate
Theo Chocolate is changing the definition of "quality" by uniting creative excellence with an unwavering commitment
to changing the way the cocoa industry conducts business. The result: delicious, award-winning chocolate. When you
taste our chocolate you will experience our passion and integrity in every luscious bite.
Theo Chocolate is proud to be the first organic, fair trade, bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States. It takes
a large array of duties and committed people to make great chocolate. Our factory, kitchen, marketing and
administrative offices are all located in a historical building in the Fremont district of Seattle, WA.
Currently we have an opening for the position of Chocolate Production Operator. This is a regular, full time position
eligible for Theo benefits. The package includes paid time off, paid holidays, and an attractive medical and dental
insurance program. You can also take advantage of paid volunteer time, bus pass discount, and plenty of discounted
great chocolate!
We are excited about our growth pattern which generated the need for an additional Production Operator opening.
We are looking for individuals who possess a strong mechanical aptitude; a strong drive to learn; and share our
passion for making amazing chocolate. Apply for this job if you want to join a team that refines the craft of chocolate
making every day while creating positive change in the world.
Here are the specifics of the job description and how to apply for this opening.
Job Purpose:
To perform a variety of processing and packaging functions within the manufacturing plant. Primary duties include
independent machine set up, changeover, and operation of semi-automated and automated machines for
production of various chocolate products and ingredients. Operators are responsible for maintaining the highest
quality of food safety standards, sanitation standards, perform daily audits, follow standard operating procedures
and complete daily production paperwork. This position ensures that products meet delivery and quality
requirements.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Operate processing or packaging equipment as assigned.
* Responsible for independent operation, set up, and changeover of various automatic and semi-automatic
machines/equipment, determined by job specifications.
* Observe safety procedures including wearing protective gear when cleaning with chemicals.
* Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and sanitation standards to ensure the highest quality of food
safety and sanitation is achieved. Perform daily audits to ensure compliance.
* Adhere to company and third-party standards for organic, fair trade, food safety, and other product certifications in
the production area. Perform daily audits to ensure compliance.
* Keeps assigned machines and surrounding area clean and safe.
* Clean and sanitize lines during changeovers from one product to another.
* Responsible for inspection of conveyors and scales prior to line start-up and changeovers.
* Follow standard operating procedures and complete daily production paperwork (i.e. pre-operation inspections;
sanitation calendars; sku reports and batch paperwork).
* Perform various checks that may include metal detector, date code and weight systems checks, with a minimum
amount of wasted product and supplies.
* Complete quality checks and associated daily production paperwork.
* Promptly and accurately record production process information in Theo's computer system.
* Perform required daily preventative maintenance and cleaning on machines including general housekeeping of the
machine and area.
* Perform basic preventative maintenance on packaging machines, to include cleaning and changing coder ribbons,
ink jet ink, tape machines, and rollers.
* Clean, inspect and lubricate equipment as part of our Autonomous Maintenance program.
* Determine optimum machine parameters and targets, understand machine performance indicators, and coordinate
issues and improvements with Maintenance department.
* Recognize, communicate, and support improvement potentials and efforts.
* Assists and trains others in job as needed.
* Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Education/Experience Requirements:
Minimum of one year of experience in industrial manufacturing, preferably food processing or food production
(noisy, working near machinery with moving parts). Prefer a minimum of two years experience. Will also consider
other candidates who have been successful in process oriented environments. High School diploma/GED. Experience
with GMP, HACCP (NSF), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Autonomous Maintenance (AM) is a plus.
Abilities/Skills and Other Requirements:
* Demonstrated commitment to safety
* Able to read, write, and comprehend English
* Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, decimals and whole numbers
* Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
* Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high quality
* Basic computer skills
* Must be available to work weekends and overtime on occasion
* To be successful, an individual needs to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and duties, operate independently,
demonstrate initiative and work to deadlines (sometimes demanding).
Working Environment
This job is primarily performed on the factory floor and in office space in the factory. While performing the duties of
this job, the employee is regularly exposed to:
* Work near moving mechanical parts
* The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Hearing protection is provided.
* Potential allergens can be: tree nuts, dairy, wheat, particular oils (i.e. mint, orange)
* Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required including but not limited to ear plugs, safety glasses/goggles, bump
caps, hair and beard nets, and gloves.
* Fumes or airborne particles
* Ambient temperature in the factory fluctuating from cold storage to hot in production areas.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
perform the essential functions of this job.
* The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
* Standing/walking for long periods of time and be able to monitor multiple pieces of equipment at one time.
* Good hand-eye coordination.
To Apply:
Send us a resume and a brief summary of how you would be a good fit for the job and why you are interested in
working for Theo Chocolate. The best (and only!) way to respond to this ad is to send your information to
HR@theochocolate.com. Thank you for your interest in Theo Chocolate!
