GA Foods is seeking an Production Associate 1. This role will be a key part of the production team responsible for assisting in the assembly and packaging of food and beverage products. You will work on a fast-paced assembly line, ensuring the efficient and accurate handling of products, while adhering to safety and quality standards. This role requires teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety practices.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with the assembly, preparation, and packaging of food and beverage products on the production line, ensuring products are assembled correctly and efficiently.
• Place finished products into packaging materials such as boxes, containers, or trays, ensuring that all products are securely packed and properly labeled.
• Conduct basic quality checks to ensure products meet company standards for size, appearance, and quality. Report any issues such as defects or incorrect packaging to a supervisor.
• Transport and load raw materials, ingredients, or packaging materials onto the assembly line, ensuring the production process is smooth and uninterrupted.
• Assist with the operation of basic assembly line machinery under supervision. This may include feeding products into machines or monitoring automated systems to ensure proper function.
• Follow safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required to maintain a safe work environment. Report safety concerns or hazards to management immediately.
• Work closely with other team members to maintain a smooth and efficient production flow. Assist co-workers as needed to meet production targets and deadlines.
• Participate in on-the-job training to learn about food safety, assembly line processes, and equipment operation. 
• Notify supervisors immediately if any equipment malfunctions, product defects, or safety issues arise to ensure minimal disruptions to production.
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal food safety regulations and company-specific policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the manager, as needed, to support production goals and company operations.

 The position requires that an employee be capable of the following:

• Meet the schedule requirements including mandatory weekend work based on business needs
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Must be able to work well with others in a team atmosphere
• Must be able to read, write, and understand instructions, warnings, labels, and postings in English effectively
• Must be willing to participate in all tasks needed to get the job done - including end-of-shift clean-up/sanitation
   
• Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 25-35 lbs. on a regular basis throughout the shift 
• Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as machine operation, etc.) most of the workday
• Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves, but is not limited to: food debris, odors, constant equipment noise, temperature extremes, wet areas/water, or similar elements most of the workday
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, reach, lift, carry, pull, push, grasp, stoop, squat, bend and stretch as needed throughout the shift
• Ability to perform repetitive motion tasks - primarily manual tasks - in a standing position for the entire shift.

Amount of Time:

• Under 1/3: Walk, Talk or hear;
• Over 2/3: See, Stand, Use hands to finger/handle/feel, Reach with hands and arms; Weight.

Lifting/Exertion:

• Under 1/3: Up to 25 lbs., 
• Over 2/3: Up to 10 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

 At GA Foods, we are deeply committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. It is our policy that all employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetics, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. We base all employment decisions on merit, qualifications to perform the essential job functions (with or without reasonable accommodations), and business needs. GA Foods also provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

GA Food Services of Pinellas County, LLC (GA Foods) is proud to be a Drug-Free, Smoke-Free Workplace and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.