General Labourer - Production

Gray Ridge Eggs is looking to hire a General Labourer for their Production department. The General Labourer can be offered a position as either a Track Loader, or a Packer-Grader, or a Machine Operator. The job descriptions for each of the positions are outlined below.

Schedule:

Days: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM OR 7:15 AM to 3:45 PM

Afternoons: 3:30 PM to 12 AM (or until Completion) OR 3:45 PM to 12:15 AM (or until Completion)

Please ensure to select your desired position and shift timing when applying for this position. We look forward to your applications.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Track Loader plays a crucial role in the seamless operation of the egg production line at L.H. Gray & Son Limited. Tasked with the efficient handling and distribution of eggs within the facility, this position requires a vigilant and proactive approach to maintain the flow of production. Overall, the Track Loader is essential in sustaining the operational efficiency of the egg processing line, directly contributing to the company's commitment to delivering high-quality products. Through effective supply management and collaboration, the Track Loader supports the overarching goal of keeping our country fed safely.
EXPERIENCE:

• To become competent as a Track Loader, approximately two weeks of on-the job training is required to learn the basic requirements of the job, as well as additional working experience learning all aspects of this position.
• Must have prior general experience working successfully in a team environment.
• Although not mandatory, previous experience working on a production line would be helpful.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Track Loader must be able to communicate and work well with others as part of a team, demonstrating politeness, respect, and courtesy in communication and daily interactions.
• Must be able to provide clear, concise general instructions for team effectiveness and productivity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS:

a) Strength

• Lifting: Lift stacks of eggs from neck to waist level. Lift skids from ground up to head level.
• Carrying: Must be able to carry skids and 30-pound cases of eggs repetitively.
• Pushing: Full carts of eggs to staging area.
• Pulling: Pulling skids off stacks, pulling wire
• Handling/Gripping: 30-pound boxes and wire baskets of eggs repetitively throughout the shift.
• Reaching Above/Below Shoulder: Picking up 30 lbs containers of eggs off conveyor belt.

b) Mobility

• Standing/Walking: All of the time.
• Bending/Stooping: All of the time.

c) Sensory

• Hearing: Good hearing required to be able to communicate with others over machine noise and to hear the horns on mobile equipment when entering doorways or blind spots.
• Seeing/Vision (near, far, colour): Good vision is required to ensure safety of self and others, particularly when operating mobile equipment.
• Reading: Must be able to read English proficiently and have good comprehension skills.
• Writing: Must be able to write English proficiently and legibly.
• Speaking/Speech: Must be able to speak English proficiently and communicate clearly.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:

• Very good hand-eye coordination and dexterity needed to pick up units of eggs and placing them on a skid.
• Agility and the ability to develop a good work “rhythm” when removing and stacking product is needed.
• Operating the forklift and pallet jack also requires good dexterity and coordination.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Routine decision making which generally follows set standards and procedures.
• Problems arise if product placement is not organized.
• Difficulties with the machine requires independent judgement and common sense, as some problems may require the help of a Maintenance Worker.
• This position is encouraged to independently bring forth innovative ideas and suggestions to improve production and/or the work environment.

MENTAL EFFORT:

• Constant mental effort in order to keep up with the demands of continuous, fast-paced production to complete daily orders accurately and on time.
• Must be able to multi-task in order to keep up with the demands of continuous, fast-past production, to keep count of product, and to keep ahead of what is being run.
• Concentration is required when operating equipment to ensure care and diligence when handling product and to ensure the safety of self and others.
• Being able to prioritize job tasks for greatest efficiency and stay organized and in control.
• Must constantly be aware of how the egg grader is running, watching for any problems with the machine.
• The routine repetitiveness of the position challenges concentration.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND HAZARDS:

• This position operates indoors in a production environment where the climate is relatively controlled. However, the job incumbent will experience some temperature changes between the winter and summer months, as well as sudden temperature changes when entering and exiting the cooler area.
• There will be exposure to wet floors due to water and/or broken eggs. Sliding boards that slip off skids is also a hazard.
• This position also requires working with and in near proximity to moving equipment and pinch points.
• Protective equipment required in this position includes steel-toed shoes due to the lifting and moving of product (company required uniform).

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN A SHIFT ROTATION INCLUDED:

• Scan in at the start of your shift and out at the end of your shift.
• Review daily the manpower schedule.
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Comply with all Company, Health and Safety and HACCP policies and procedures.
• Always keep area neat and tidy (all broken eggs cleaned up, plastic ties and garbage off the floor).

a) Loader

• Ensuring continuous production by removing stacks of eggs from pallets.
• Operating a hand jack to keep a constant supply of skids of eggs at the loader workstation.
• Reorganizing farm materials (pallets and dividers) by stacking onto separate pallets.
• Ensure all packaging materials meet company standards.
• Communicating verbally with production staff and Machine Operator on producer changes as well as communicating any problems with the production line.
• Protective equipment required in this position includes hearing protection due to high noise levels.

b) Track

• Communicating verbally with production team on order progress and required quantities as well as communicating any problems with the eggs or packaging.
• Follow all instructions as assigned by supervisor.
• Ensuring continuous production by unloading finished product from the conveyor belt and separating onto skids.
• Keeping accurate count of product when stacking product onto pallets, ensuring product is placed on correct skids.
• Inspecting finished product for general appearance and correct code dates.
• Removing full skids of product from floor area to cooler. Replace with empty ones when needed
• Break down baskets for packers – five high. Always keep track area neat and tidy. Follow proper clean-up procedures.
• Replace packer inedible pails as needed. Neatly pile returns.
• Clean up part cases at the end of the track.
• Reporting product count to Machine Operator when requested.
• Ensuring packers have enough product.
• Counting out correct number of boxes, baskets, and skids.
• All other duties or tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• Clean up at the end of your shift.

c) Cart Puller

• Maintaining a continuous (minimum two pallet) supply of eggs to the Loaders in the loading area in a timely manner.
• Review daily the manpower schedule.
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Staying alert to any problems the Loaders are experiencing in the loading area and assisting them whenever needed.
• Keep offline key tray washer at a good working pace.
• Help at loader, “dry” key trays, and wash carts if time permits.
• Always look to keep area tidy and free of slip hazards.
• Remove full containers of broken eggs in the scanning area and replacing with empty containers regularly.
• Collecting rewashed eggs every two hours and returning to the ungraded egg cooler.
• Removing plastic wrap off pallets of eggs entering the ungraded egg cooler.
• Keeping cooler organized and ensuring that eggs remain in their producer groupings.
• Ensure all packaging materials meet company standards.
• Cleaning up barrels and totes at end of each shift.
• Ensuring the pallet jack is maintained and operational.
• Operating mobile equipment (pallet Jacks) to complete above tasks.
• Keeping machine parts and work area clean, tidy and free from hazards.
• On the Afternoon Shift additional responsibilities include:
  • Responsible for nest run and store returns.
  • Each night completes the Nest Run and Store Returns Tracking Sheet, FC – 136, indicating the amount of nest run and store return completed.
  • Assisting co-workers where and when needed.
  • All other duties assigned by management.

c) Cart Washer

• Properly sanitize and squeegee all washable supplies, including, dividers and skids that are unsanitary.
• Keep floors at entrance to ungraded room to wash bay squeegeed and dry. Help keep trays sorted and washed in offline washer.
• Pull up Producers as directed by Supervisor. Check for correct number of skids.
• Scan Collection Note Tag of each skid.
• Ensure that the first tag (Producer) has temperature reading – if not, inform the Supervisor immediately.
• Help take lids off stacks when running skids.
• Help Pre-Loader operator stack skids and boards in a neat and orderly manner (separating regular skids & plywood from green painted.)
• Assist in jam ups with the loader.
• Place supplies in proper location as directed by Supervisor.
• Spray and squeegee floors under pre-loader.
• Protective equipment required in this position includes hearing protection due to high noise levels.

PACKER-GRADER POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Packer/Grader position at L.H. Gray & Son Limited is integral to the success of the company's egg production and distribution efforts. This role focuses on the meticulous inspection, packaging, and grading of eggs to meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. The Packer/Grader works closely with the production team to ensure a seamless flow of operations, from the sorting of eggs based on size and quality to the careful packaging for shipment. The Packer/Grader's role is hands-on and demands agility and precision to manage various tasks efficiently, contributing to the company's reputation for delivering fresh, high-quality eggs to consumers.

Work Experience

• Individuals with prior general experience working successfully in a team environment are best suited for this position.
• Although not mandatory, previous production experience would be helpful.

Interpersonal Skills

• Packers / Graders must be able to communicate and work well with others as part of a team, demonstrating politeness, respect, and courtesy in communication and daily interactions.
• Must be able to provide clear, concise general instructions for team effectiveness and productivity.

Problem Solving

• Packer / Graders must decide quickly if they can work through the problem or if they will require the assistance of the Lead Packer, Machine Operator or Shift Supervisor.
• This position is encouraged to independently bring forth innovative ideas and suggestions to improve production and/or the work environment.

Physical Demands Analysis

a) Strength

• Lifting: Up to 30 lbs
• Carrying: Up to 30 lbs
• Pushing: From 60 lbs (Pallets) to 640 lbs (Carts)
• Pulling: Minimal – Pulling Wire Baskets Apart
• Handling/Gripping: Handling Cartons, Making Boxes
• Reaching: Minimal

b) Mobility

• Standing/Walking: All of the Time (70% Standing / 30% Walking Approximately).
• Climbing: Minimal (Stepping Over Case Conveyor)
• Bending/Stooping: 60% of Time
• Crouching: Minimal

c) Sensory

• Hearing: Good hearing is required to be able to communicate with others over the machine noises.
• Seeing: Good vision to see cracks and/or dirt on eggs when candling to ensure egg quality, and while packing eggs. Good vision is also required to ensure safety of self and others, particularly when operating.
• Reading: Able to read order sheets to select correct cartons, labels and boxes
• Writing: Minimal (stamp boxes)
• Speaking/Speech: Able to understand and take orders, able to communicate clearly with Machine Operators, Supervisors and co-workers.

Manual Dexterity

• Very good hand-eye coordination and dexterity needed to pick up egg cartons, and / or replacing broken or missing eggs in cartons.

Mental Effort

• Constant mental effort to keep up with the demands of continuous, fast paced production to complete daily orders accurately and on time.
• Concentration is required when operating equipment to ensure care and diligence when handling product and to ensure the safety of self and others.
• Visual concentration needed when checking for egg/packaging quality.
• Mental effort required when keeping count of product as per order sheet, when setting up materials for quick changeovers, and when making boxes.
• Concentration is required to prioritize work and stay organized.
• The routine repetitiveness of the position challenges concentration.

Working Conditions and Hazards

• This position operates indoors in a production environment where the climate is relatively controlled. However, the job incumbent will experience some temperature changes between the winter and summer months.
• There will be exposure to wet floors due to water and/or broken eggs.
• There is exposure to high noise levels while in the grading booth and pre-grading area. Levels in these areas exceed the allowable decibel limit, and therefore when working in these areas hearing protection is mandatory.
• Packaging areas – recommendations to use hearing protection in these areas due noise testing results being border line high.
• This position also requires working with and in near proximity to moving equipment and pinch points.
• Protective equipment required in this position is the use of steel-toed shoes due to the lifting and moving of product and supplies.

Main Job Responsibilities Within a Shift Rotation Included:

• Scan in at the start of your shift and out at the end of your shift.
• Review daily the manpower schedule.
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Comply with all Company, Health and Safety and HACCP policies and procedures.
• Always keep area neat and tidy (all broken eggs cleaned up).

Packer Duties:

• Hand packing egg cartons into appropriate shipping containers based on customer requirements including boxes, plastic or wire baskets, or carts.
• Coordinate yourself as a helpful team member to ensure maximum product line flow.
• Responsible for more than 2 lines. Move down and assist fellow packers when your lines are not busy.
• Communicating verbally with production team on order progress and required quantities as well as communicating any problems with the eggs or packaging.
• Packing and palletizing loose egg flats onto skids.
• Inspecting packaging for general appearance and code dates.
• Preparing materials and making boxes ready for packing.
• Counting out correct number of boxes, baskets, carts and skids.
• Ensuring established bio security procedures are followed.
• Gently pack eggs into designated containers as directed my Machine Operator.
• Do not allow broken, damaged, or inferior product to leave the packaging area.
• Ensure all packaging materials meet company standards.
• Report any machine abnormalities to Machine Operator, Lead Packer or Supervisor immediately.
• Check dates frequently, ensuring that they are correct and legible, if not – report findings to Machine Operator.
• Inform Machine Operator when to count off product.
• Have Track person replenish supplies (baskets, skids, boxes etc.) when needed.
• Keeping machine parts and work area clean, tidy and free from hazards.
• Assisting co-workers where and when needed.
• All other duties assigned by supervisor.

Grader Duties:

• Before entering the grading booth, check scales, crack detector, rollers, shelves, and visible surfaces for debris.
• Ensure both the glass/mirror within the grading booth is clean and that all guards are in place.
• Always remain in the grader booth unless otherwise instructed by your supervisor.
• Press Lot Button at correct time
• Beware of lot changes (including size and quality of eggs).
• If the dirt detector is not functional, all dirt and stains must be picked out by the Grader.
• During operation, feel eggs to confirm that they are warm and relatively dry.
• The Grader must inform the Machine Operator of eggs that require a Pre-Grader and/ or if the machine speed must be turned down.
• Be aware of unfamiliar sounds and of machine conditions that may affect egg quality and if found, notify Supervisor, or Machine Operator and they will inform Maintenance promptly.
• Start machine promptly when green light appears or beeper sounds (unless otherwise instructed by Supervisor or Machine Operator).
  • Document poor egg conditions (frozen, rodent infested, rotten, excessively dirty. etc.) to Supervisor.
    • All other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

MACHINE OPERATOR POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Machine Operator is responsible for the efficient operation of egg grading machinery, ensuring product quality and meeting production targets. This role involves troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and interaction with various production team members to facilitate smooth operations. The Machine Operator contributes to L.H. Gray & Son Limited’s commitment to quality and safety, upholding the company's standards and regulations. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to our operations, ensuring the production of high-quality egg products for our customers.

EXPERIENCE:

• Machine Operators must have prior production experience working successfully in an egg grading plant, as this position requires hands on knowledge and specific skills.
• Experience operating machinery in a production setting is preferred, but on-the-job training will be provided.
• Prior experience using mobile equipment would be an asset, but training is provided once on the job.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Machine Operators must be able to work well with others as part of a team, demonstrating politeness, respect, and courtesy in communication and daily interactions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as Operators must be able to provide team members with clear concise instructions to avoid production errors, particularly when there are scheduling changes.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Must be able to react quickly to problems as they arise to minimize production down time.
• Daily problem-solving ranges from resolving mechanical problems with the machine to dealing with shortages of eggs.
• Strong individual judgement is a must to schedule work tasks and set priorities.
• Routine decision making which generally follows set standards and procedures.
• This position is encouraged to independently bring forth innovative ideas and suggestions to improve production and/or the work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS:

a) Strength

• Lifting: Up to 30 lbs
• Carrying: Up to 30 lbs
• Pushing: From 60 lbs (pallets) to 640 lbs (carts)
• Pulling: Up to 640 lbs
• Handling/Gripping: Handling cartons, pallet jack
• Reaching

b) Mobility

• Standing/Walking: Continuous
• Climbing: Minimal (when giving counts, walking in between packers).
• Bending/Stooping: Continuous
• Crouching: Minimal

c) Sensory

• Hearing: Good hearing is required to be able to communicate with others over the machine noises.
• Seeing: Average vision required
• Feeling: Yes
• Reading: Good reading and comprehension skills
• Writing: Good writing skills
• Speaking/Speech: Able to understand and communicate clearly.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:

• Very good hand-eye coordination and dexterity needed to pick up eggs, egg cartons and when adjusting the machine. (i.e. changing over from loose eggs to cartons).

MENTAL EFFORT:

• Constant mental effort to keep up with the demands of continuous, fast paced production to complete daily orders accurately and on time.
• Concentration is required when operating machine to ensure care and diligence of equipment, and to ensure the safety of self and others.
• Resolving equipment, production, and employee problems requires quick thinking and good judgement.
• Must possess the ability to stay calm and in control to ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:

• Scan in at the start of you shift and out at the end of your shift.
• Review daily the manpower schedule.
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Ensuring continuous production, optimizing machine output by meeting the required line speeds while maintaining quality of product.
• Scheduling product runs and informing appropriate team members of daily production schedules to compete orders accurately and on time.
• Refer to the “Approved Producer List” for current information regarding specialty eggs.
• Document daily any equipment issue that affected the productivity or efficiency of the machine operation during your shift.
• Notify your supervisor and record any material issues that do not meet company quality standards.
• Equipment issues will be documented on the FC – 118 Shift Communication Maintenance Performance Report.
• Record producers ran on FC 188 Producer Run List.
• Machine operator will verify that all parts/tools are accounted for and cleanup is sufficient as to not contaminate finished product by doing a visual upon completion and initialling on FC - 118 that it is complete.
• Notify your supervisor and record any material issues that do not meet company quality standards.
• Responsible for Food Safety & Quality Regulatory compliance by ensuring appropriate product is placed in packaging (i.e. Size, specialty eggs, quality standards, approved producers used for finished product.)
• Ensure all product is properly packaged, properly placed on carts or skids, placed in proper boxes, not comingled (different packaging in same shipping container) and properly dated.
• Any conditions that could compromise food safety are to be recorded on an observation sheet and given to Supervisor.
• Communicate with the loaders, packers/graders and maintenance personnel as required.
• Enter Producers name and lots size on computer.
• Set up machine to efficiently meet the run schedule.
• Inform packaging department of product containers and quantity.
• Change code dates at appropriate time and check frequently for accuracy and clarity. See SQFPR250 Product Code Application
• Maintain quality of product through speed adjustments, acquiring a pre-grader etc.
• Keep production line flowing smoothly.
• React promptly to problems with the machine or production delays and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Day shift Machine Operator is responsible for setting up the machine.
• Assign size of eggs to packing lines throughout. Ensure proper size is in the correct carton.
• Afternoon shift Machine Operator is responsible for shutting down and inspecting the machine at end of the day, making sure the machine is cleared of product.
• Scales must be checked prior to the start of your shift, after any breaks, and if any known problems exist.
• Count cartons and full skids to ensure orders are completed accurately.
• Ensure established bio security procedures are followed.
• Keeping the Machine running smoothly is the main priority and ensure everyone is working together as a team.
• Keep machine parts and work area clean, tidy, and free from hazards.
• Assist co-workers where and when needed.
• All other duties assigned by your supervisor.