Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Feta Pail Packer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Feta Pail Packer, you are a crucial guardian of our product's quality and presentation. You will be on the front lines, responsible for the hands-on task of packaging our renowned feta cheese into pails for distribution to customers worldwide. This role is more than just packing; it involves meticulous attention to detail, adherence to strict food safety protocols (like GMP and HACCP), and operating specialized equipment. You will be an integral part of a collaborative team dedicated to producing a safe, delicious, and consistent product. If you are a reliable and diligent individual who takes pride in your work, we invite you to apply and help us share our exceptional feta cheese with the world.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Warehouse Associate
Food Service Worker (e.g., Kitchen Prep, Fast Food)
Entry-level Manufacturing or Assembly roles

Advancement To:

Production Line Lead or Team Leader
Quality Control (QC) Technician
Machine Operator II/III or Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Operator / Forklift Driver
Sanitation Crew Member

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately weigh, pack, and label pails of feta cheese according to precise product specifications and customer orders.
Operate and monitor automated and semi-automated packaging equipment, including fillers, sealers, and labelers, ensuring continuous and efficient operation.
Perform rigorous, ongoing quality control checks on cheese, brine, and packaging materials to identify and report any defects, inconsistencies, or foreign objects.
Meticulously maintain a clean and sanitary work area, adhering to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety regulations.
Ensure all finished pails are properly sealed, lidded, and coded with accurate date and batch information for traceability.
Safely stack and organize finished product onto pallets, preparing them for wrapping and transfer to cold storage.
Follow all established safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
Document production and quality data accurately on production logs, including counts, weights, and downtime, contributing to process analysis.
Communicate effectively with line leads, supervisors, and quality assurance personnel regarding any production issues, equipment malfunctions, or quality concerns.
Rotate through various positions on the packaging line as directed to support team flexibility and meet production targets.
Manage the flow of packaging materials (pails, lids, labels) to your station to prevent line stoppages and maintain productivity.
Visually inspect finished pallets to ensure they are stable, correctly labeled, and meet all shipping and handling standards.
Assist in the setup and changeover of packaging equipment between different product runs or pail sizes.
Handle raw materials and finished goods with care to prevent damage, contamination, or waste.
Actively participate in daily team meetings to review production goals, safety topics, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Perform basic troubleshooting of packaging machinery to resolve minor jams or stoppages, minimizing downtime.
Consistently meet or exceed established production rates and quality standards while prioritizing safety and accuracy.
Manage brine levels within each pail to ensure it meets the required volume and salinity for product preservation and quality.
Transport raw materials from storage areas to the production line using pallet jacks or other material handling equipment.
Adhere strictly to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and report any deviations immediately.
Participate in the sanitation of equipment and the production environment during and after production shifts.

Secondary Functions

Assist in periodic inventory counts of raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods.
Support the training and onboarding of new team members by demonstrating proper packing techniques and safety procedures.
Provide constructive feedback to supervisors on potential process improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, or product quality.
Participate in routine deep-cleaning and sanitation procedures for the broader production area and associated equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, work in a refrigerated environment, and consistently lift/move objects up to 50 pounds.
Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling product and operating equipment efficiently.
Basic Math Skills: Competency in basic arithmetic for counting, weighing products, and accurately recording production data.
Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of or ability to quickly learn Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and other food safety protocols.
Machine Operation: Aptitude for operating and monitoring semi-automated production line machinery.
Quality Control Inspection: Ability to visually inspect products and packaging to identify subtle defects or deviations from quality standards.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all tasks, from weighing cheese to applying labels, to ensure 100% accuracy.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by a consistent record of excellent attendance and dependability.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively and communicate clearly with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changes in production schedules, rotate tasks, and work effectively under pressure.
Following Instructions: Capacity to understand and precisely follow both verbal and written directions and standard operating procedures.
Problem-Solving: Proactive attitude to identify potential issues on the line and report them to the appropriate personnel for resolution.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate in Food Handling, Food Safety, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a general labor, food service, or fast-paced manual work environment.

Preferred:

6+ months of direct experience in a food manufacturing, packaging, or dairy production facility is highly desirable.
Prior experience working in a regulated (GMP, FDA) environment is a significant plus.