Production Palletizer Operator - Night Shift

Seneca Foods is one of North America's leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables with facilities located throughout the United States.  Our high quality products are primarily sourced from over 1,400 American farms. Seneca holds the largest share of the retail private label, food service, and export canned vegetable markets, distributing to over 90 countries. Products are also sold under the brands of Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s®, READ®, Seneca Farms®, Green Valley®, Green Giant®, CherryMan®, Paradise®, Pennant®, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips. Seneca also provides vegetable products to other companies under various co-pack arrangements.

Seneca Foods offers an excellent benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401K, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off and more!  Help us make our Farm Fresh Goodness Great!  Come join the Seneca Foods team – Apply now!

JOB OVERVIEW:

As a Production Palletizer Operator at Seneca Foods, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the automatic palletizer to ensure finished canned products are stacked correctly, wrapped, labeled, and prepared for warehouse storage or shipment. The operator must ensure product quality, follow food safety regulations, and maintain a safe work environment. The ideal candidate will be reliable, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and with a team within a fast-paced production environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the automatic palletizer during production.
• Verify the correct pallet pattern and product configuration according to production specifications.
• Inspect pallets, slip sheets, and stretch wrap for quality and proper use.
• Supply empty pallets and packaging materials as needed.
• Monitor pallet labels and ensure they match the production schedule.
• Remove damaged cans, cases, or pallets from the production line.
• Clear palletizer jams safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and report mechanical issues to Maintenance.
• Complete production and downtime documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean work area following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Assist with changeovers between products and pallet patterns.
• Communicate production issues to supervisors and other departments.
• Support continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or food processing experience preferred.
• Ability to operate automated production equipment.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read production schedules and work instructions.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and production reporting.

 Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, reach, twist, and climb stairs as required.
• Work in a hot, cold, wet, or noisy production environment.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of food safety and GMP requirements.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities for Food Safety

• Follow all GMP, HACCP, and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure finished product is handled to prevent contamination.
• Report any food safety or quality concerns immediately.
• Maintain accurate production and traceability records.

Safety Responsibilities

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when applicable.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Operate equipment safely according to company procedures.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain production efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Produce accurate, stable, and properly wrapped pallets.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Demonstrate safe work practices and reliable attendance.
• Work cooperatively with production, maintenance, quality assurance, and warehouse personnel.

Adherence to Hygiene and Safety Standards

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• Identify and report any safety concerns or issues promptly.
• Follow hygiene practices to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.

Work Schedule and Grade

• Availability for a Monday – Friday shift from 5:54 pm – 6:00 am with additional overtime as needed based on production and customer requirements. This is a grade 3 position.

Seneca Foods Corporation is committed to providing equal opportunity for all, through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. Seneca Foods Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact us at ADA@senecafoods.com or call 585-495-4100.