Job Description

As the Cannery Retort Operator, you will be a vital member at one of our Alaskan processing facilities responsible for operating and maintaining retort equipment to sterilize canned seafood products. This involves loading and unloading retorts, monitoring and adjusting temperature and pressure settings, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Operators must also maintain accurate records, conduct routine inspections, and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. They play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety and quality of canned seafood products.

Essential Functions/Qualifications 

The responsibilities of the position include the following: 

• Ensure protocols set are being followed and adhered to in a professional manner. 
• Control over each cook with precise documentation. 
• Maintain accuracy/ penmanship excellence on all regulated documentation. 
• Quick and timely response regarding QA notifications to cook temperatures. 
• Supervision of retort unloads to maintain an accurate post-cook cool down. 
• Pre and post season maintenance is needed to have a positive start-up of season. 
• Aid when/ if needed to the engineering department to ensure maintaining the maximum boiler efficiency. 
• Prompt, reliable, and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job. 
• Other duties are to ensure the facility and organization is fully supported and successful.

Competencies  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies: 

Functional  

• Retort Operation: Proficiency in operating retort machines, including setting parameters, monitoring cycles, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Process Control: Understanding of process control systems and procedures for retort operations.
• Safety Regulations: Adherence to safety regulations and procedures to prevent accidents and hazards.
• Quality Control: Knowledge of quality control procedures for canned food products, including inspection and testing.
• Equipment Maintenance: Basic understanding of retort equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Data Recording: Accurate recording and documentation of retort operations and product information.
• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Interpersonal  

• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with other plant personnel, including production operators and quality control inspectors.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication with supervisors, team members, and management.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues related to retort operations or equipment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules and priorities.
• Dependability: Reliability and consistency in performing duties and responsibilities.
• Safety Awareness: A strong commitment to safety and adherence to safety procedures.

Education and Experience

• Experience working in a food processing plant, particularly in a canning or retort operation, is highly beneficial.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control procedures is advantageous.
• Experience with retort equipment and its operation is helpful.  
• Previous experience in Seafood or Manufacturing preferred.

Work Environment and Schedule  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Position requires onsite presence at our Alaska Processing Facility, and the ability to travel, spending a significant amount of time during the season at our various locations and processing facilities in Alaska.  

Physical Demands 

This role is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. 

Mental Activities  

The employee is frequently required to set an example by consistently modeling ambitious standards of honesty and integrity. Presentation and sharing of information should be handled directly, appropriately, and helpfully. Maintains a reputation for honesty, confidentiality, reliability, and fairness. Is willing to admit mistakes and does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.  

Silver Bay Perks 

Benefits and Perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Silver Bay and the state where you work. 

• Health Insurance: Seasonal Employees and their families are eligible for health benefits that include medical, dental and vision benefits once the employee meets the required 1560 hours worked to become benefit eligible. Employees are also eligible to receive basic life insurance. 
• Employee Assistance Program:  Available for employees and their families.  
• Other Compensation: Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. 

Silver Bay Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.     

If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@silverbayseafoods.com.