Chocolate Assembly Apprentice

Chocolate Assembly Apprentice

Job Title:

Chocolate Assembly Apprentice

Location:

Durango, CO (Factory)

Department:

Enrobing

Status:

Regular, Full-Time

Reports To:

Chocolate Production Supervisor

FLSA Category:

Non-Exempt

Relevant Experience:

0-1 year

Level:

Entry Level

Schedule:

Tuesday - Friday 5:50am-4:30pm

Overtime may be required on Saturdays

Pay Range:

$18-20/hour

Position Summary

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (RMCF) is seeking a Chocolate Assembly Apprentice that is responsible for safely performing the daily activities of the production department to meet daily production schedules while ensuring quality standards are met. We are looking for candidates that love chocolate and sweet treats as much as we do! Our goal is to offer a FUN and SAFE family-oriented work environment with opportunities for advancement. We seek reliable, hard-working candidates who enjoy working with a team. We want you to have fun and care about the work you do. The ideal candidate demonstrates initiative and commitment to learning progressively more complex chocolate production and equipment operation skills. This role is expected to complete required training and demonstrate proficiency in intermediate-level duties within established timelines.

Key Responsibilities

The Chocolate Assembly Apprentice will be expected to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes in the following areas:

Beginner

• Accurately weigh, measure, and count products and materials using scales or other appropriate tools and equipment.
• Appropriately label containers, or boxes using preprinted labels and/or date label gun; paying attention to date codes.
• Assemble and prepare boxes, totes, and other supplies in preparation of packing product.
• Count finished product to determine completion of production order.
• Identify candy by individual signatures as necessary.
• Add candy signatures by hand.
• Operate specialized equipment including but not limited to Truffle Machine, Nut Grinder, Caramel Cutters and Extruding Devices.
• Tempering of chocolate and production of finished candy by hand.
• Feed candy onto moving conveyor or into moving machines, and pack product from moving conveyor belt and/or from racks with speed and accuracy.
• Clean containers, materials, supplies, or work areas, using cleaning solutions and hand tools.
• Remove completed or defective products or materials, placing them on moving equipment such as conveyors or in specified areas such as loading docks and transfer areas.
• Transport products and supplies to and from workstations.
• Ensure quality standards are met and work to eliminate bloomers and scrap.
• Complete and maintain prep work during a project.

Intermediate

An intermediate level Chocolate Assembly Apprentice will have the ability to and will perform the duties listed above in addition to those listed in this section within three months of entry or change over to this position. Pay for an employee at the intermediate level will typically fall in the mid-range for the position.

• Cut caramels using a caramel cutting machine and extrude product using extruding devices safely and accurately.
• Assist Operators in changeovers as necessary.
• Finish projects by adding additional items such as nuts and decorations, placing paper cups in boxes, and weighing completed projects.
• Set up and operate scales (including Tares for each project, understanding correct packaging procedure for each product.
• Set-up, temper pre-mixers, and shut down projects as necessary.

Advanced

An advanced level Chocolate Assembly Apprentice will have the ability to and will perform the duties listed above in addition to those listed in this section within six months of entry or change over to this position. Pay for an employee at the intermediate level will typically fall in the upper end of the range for the position.

• Aide in the training of new Chocolate Assembly Apprentices by accurately conveying written and verbal instructions.
• Assist in leading special projects, displaying knowledge of various projects through preparation and continually monitoring candy and supplies.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
• Cross training in other production departments, as requested.

This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow written and verbal instructions, basic mechanical aptitude for operating production equipment, adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, physical stamina for repetitive factory work, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced team environment while maintaining quality standards.

Qualifications

Education, Experience & Skills

• No prior manufacturing experience is required; this is an entry-level position.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently and work well under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail, including counting, measuring, labeling, and identifying products correctly.
• Ability to maintain quality standards and identify product defects or inconsistencies.
• Basic math skills, including counting, weighing, measuring, and performing simple calculations.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while meeting productivity expectations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and production techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding production, quality, and safety concerns.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing facility with regular interaction among team members.
• Ability to safely work around moving machinery, conveyors, and production equipment.
• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, food safety standards, and workplace safety policies.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules as business needs require.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Coursework, training, or demonstrated interest in food production, manufacturing, culinary arts, or related field is a plus.
• Previous experience in food production, manufacturing, warehouse operations, retail food service, hospitality, or other fast-paced work environments.
• Experience following detailed procedures, quality standards, or safety requirements is beneficial.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort learning production equipment operation.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, grasp small objects, and perform repetitive hand and arm motions throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to push and pull carts, racks, and equipment weighing up to 200 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely maneuver throughout a manufacturing facility and work in varying temperatures typical of chocolate production environments.
• Ability to work around common food allergens, including milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
• Ability to comply with personal hygiene, sanitation, food safety, and company safety requirements, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS

• 401k plan with company match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance - Company Paid
• Life and AD&D Insurance - Company Paid
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Employee Purchase Discount Program