Flats Washing Operator

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description

Michael Foods, Inc. located in Klingerstown, Pennyslvania known for their ice cream socials at Klingerstown Lutheran Parish, fishing rodeo, and fireman's parade.
Responsibilities

The purpose of the Flats Washing Operator is to clean and sanitize plastic egg flats and plastic pallets and divider boards so they can be sent back to farms and be reused. This practice keeps replacement costs to a minimum. Plastic flats and pallets can be cleaned and sanitized much easier than wood pallets and paper flats which aids in the control of bacteria coming and going from the plant. This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

As a Flat Washer: 

• Load stacks of dirty egg flats onto the track at the end of the flat washing machine.

• Monitor the automatic mechanical loading of the individual flats into flat washer ensuring the machine does not jam.

• Oversee the entire procedure of the flat washer ensuring there are no jams from the time a flat enters the washing area until it exits and stacks at the other end of the machine.

• Monitor and oversee that stacks of clean flats enter and exit the spin dryer correctly.

• Remove stacks of clean dry flats from a conveyor to a nearby skid.

• Complete paperwork as required of the position.

• Assist in the general good housekeeping of the area.

As a Pallet Washer: 

• Load dirty plastic pallets weighing 40lbs. or dirty plastic divider boards weighing 15 lbs. by standing them on end and

inserting them into the pallet washer. The pallet or divider runs on a track through the washer where it is cleaned by use of pressure spraying and sanitizing agents and exits at the other side.

• Remove clean sanitized pallets or dividers manually from the washer and stack them.

• When washing dividers, 2 dividers are washed at one time with both topsides facing out when inserted into the washer.

• When removing dividers, the 2 dividers must be re-positioned so that both topsides are facing up when stacked.

• Sanitize all designated floor areas and document the cleaning.

• Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure

that product quality is maintained in order to maintain SQF Level certification. Report to management any conditions or

practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

▪ Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained in order to maintain SQF Level 3 certification. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.

▪ Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers and management.

▪ Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• No previous training or experience required. 
• Ability to read a limited number of two-and three-syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers.
• Ability to print and speak simple sentences.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Must have ability to bend, stoop, and reach while lifting and carrying stacks of empty flats, pallets or dividers.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions.
• Ability to work indoors in a wet and humid environment and stand on hard surfaces.
• Ability to travel stairs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good hand and eye coordination.
• Basic mechanical abilities
• Ability to do a number of tasks simultaneously.
• Have the ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Safety regulations and wear the proper PPE for the position.
• Ability to complete Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification.
• Ability to operate specific equipment or tools.