Batch/Blending Operator

OVERVIEW

The Batch/Blending Operator is responsible for preparing, mixing, and monitoring product batches according to established formulas and quality standards. This role ensures all ingredients are measured accurately, equipment is operated safely, and documentation is completed to maintain compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements. The operator plays a key role in supporting efficient production of juice, applesauce, and related products.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

• Follow product formulas and blend sheets to accurately weigh, measure, and add ingredients (purees, concentrates, sugars, acids, flavors, etc.).
• Operate batching, blending, mixing, and pumping equipment safely and efficiently.
• Adjust batches as needed to meet Brix, pH, viscosity, and other required specifications.
• Monitor tank levels, temperatures, pressures, and blending times to ensure consistent product quality.
• Coordinate with QA to sample and verify batch adjustments before release to production.
• Ensure proper sequencing of blends to avoid cross-contamination or allergen exposure.
• Set up, operate, and shut down blending systems, transfer pumps, meters, valves, and related equipment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting on pumps, meters, valves, and controls.
• Report mechanical issues promptly to avoid production downtime.
• Work closely with QC/QA, Production Supervisors, Maintenance to ensure timely ingredient availability and production flow.
• Communicate batch status, delays, and issues during shift changeovers.
• Assist in training new Batch/Blending Operators as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Work Experience

• Previous experience in manufacturing, food production, or machine operation preferred

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to read and interpret blend sheets, SOPs, and technical instructions.
• Ability to accurately read and manually record lot information for traceability purposes.
• Ability to work well under pressure and quickly assess and respond appropriately to questions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to adapt to change and learn quickly.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend and comply with GMP rules and Food Safety guidelines.
• Ability to work as contributing member within the team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

• Team Orientation - Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Develops Technical Competence - Seeks to stay abreast of new developments in core competencies and learn enough about related fields to apply knowledge effectively in business; enjoys learning and is intellectually curious; has strong desire to continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities; sees learning and knowledge as keys to building skills and abilities essential to job and career success.
• Attention to Detail - Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role - Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence - Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability - Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Safety Awareness - Demonstrates use of safe and proper work methods and follows established safety procedures. Reports and corrects working conditions that may increase risk factors for injury.
• Good Manufacturing Practices/Food Safety - Demonstrates Good Manufacturing Practices and proper Food Safety procedures when performing daily job functions. Correctly wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Recognizes areas for GMP and Food Safety procedure improvements and shares ideas with leadership.
• Respects Diversity - Respects the Company’s diverse workforce, and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
• Adaptability - Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships - Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
• Focus - Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Manufacturing facility with exposure to wet environments, temperature fluctuations, and food ingredients.
• Stands, walks, uses hands/fingers to handle or feel, uses hands/arms to reach, sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, and crawls while performing functions of position.
• Constant mental and visual alertness (including peripheral vision and depth perception) required to avoid serious injury to self and others and to perform quality functions of position.
• Lifts material/product weighing up to 50 pounds frequently (with assistance); lifts material/product weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally (with assistance).
• Must wear required PPE including hairnet, bump cap, eye/hearing protection, etc.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and results.