Overview
A Retort Associate operates and monitors heavy thermal processing machinery (retort ovens/pressure sterilizers) used to cook and preserve canned food products.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Operate Equipment: Load and unload trays, baskets, or carts of sealed food products into and out of the industrial retort (pressure cooking/sterilization) chambers.
Monitor Cooking Process: Watch gauges, digital screens, and control panels to track critical parameters like pressure (PSI), temperature (Fahrenheit), and cycle timing.
Maintain Production Records: Log every processed batch, recording start and stop times, batch numbers, and retort cycle readings accurately on paperwork or digital systems.
Quality & Safety Compliance: Follow strict FDA and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) guidelines to ensure product safety and proper seal sterilization.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support: Monitor machine performance and immediately report mechanical malfunctions, equipment errors, or safety hazards to supervisors.
Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain a clean work area around the high-temperature retort machines, following food plant hygiene rules.
Working Conditions
Physical Demand: The job involves standing for long shifts, lifting, bending, and loading heavy trays or racks of food product.
Environment: The retort area involves high heat and steam, meaning it can get quite hot and humid, especially during warmer seasonal months.
Schedule: Shifts may require early mornings, late nights, or rotating schedules depending on production demands
Skills and Experience
Industry Experience: Prior experience in food manufacturing, machine operation, or production processing is heavily preferred.
Technical Aptitude: Ability to read digital LCD screens, operate computerized control menus, and monitor mechanical dials.
Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision is required for logging time and temperature records, as mistakes can ruin whole batches of food.
Physical Stamina: The role demands standing for long hours, working in hot/humid environments near heavy cooking machinery, and lifting heavy trays or pushes of canned inventory.
Basic Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is preferred, along with the ability to pass a background check/drug screening and follow exact structural guideline
Benefits
Don't miss this chance to enhance your experience in a production environment while enjoying competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Weekly pay
- $5 prescription drugs
- $5 doctor's visit copays
- Free teledoctor service
- Free counseling services
- Life insurance included
- Vision insurance included
- Dental insurance included
- Vacation and holiday pay
- Scholarship Opportunities
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Free legal services
- Our unbeatable employee discount program
Apply now so we can hold a spot for you. We can’t wait to talk to you!
––Your Ōnin team
