Thorne - Encapsulation Operator - 1st and 2nd Shift

Job Description:

The Encapsulation Operator follows Production Department procedures and performs specific duties based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for the Production Department. 

Responsibilities: 

• Employee becomes knowledgeable of the applicable provisions of the Production Department’s Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and follows them.
• Employee remains knowledgeable on an ongoing and timely basis as changes in the SOPs and GMPs occur.
• Employee takes a total quality approach to conduct, in operating machines, and in producing Thorne products.
• Employee is at work as scheduled, starts work at the beginning of a shift, is on time to meetings, completes assigned tasks in a timely manner, and works overtime as required.
• In time, employee becomes cross-trained in at least two other production areas (i.e., Powder Fill, Mixing, or Packaging).
• Employee willingly works in the different production areas as assigned.
• Commits to the Encapsulation Credentialed Training program where the proper operating knowledge, skills and experience are acquired to meet the high quality of proficiency expected as a Thorne operator.
• Quickly sets up all phases of the encapsulation equipment for smooth operation and maximum output and similarly disassembles equipment for proper cleaning and sanitizing.
• Maintains a standard output for each product being processed and continuously improves speed and performance.
• Has sufficient knowledge of the equipment used to make adjustments, without supervision, within guidelines outlined in the applicable SOP and current ENCAP Credentialed Training program level.
• Immediately notifies lead/supervisor of any machine problems or anomalies outside of normal operations that effect output and the well-being of the equipment or the quality of the product.
• If applicable, obtains pass down information in order to efficiently take the place of the Encapsulation Operator at shift change and continue to operate the encapsulation or powder filling equipment while achieving consistent results and without a loss of productivity.
• Once the employee is fully trained and certified in Encapsulation, they are capable of training operators on the equipment and tasks for the encapsulation area. As a trainer, the operator will assume the responsibility for the trainees’ performance until the trainee has been signed off to complete the tasks alone.
• Other duties as may be assigned.  

Experience/Competencies/Proficiencies:   By training, education and/or experience, employee must be able to perform the essential duties of the job.

• By training, education and/or experience, employee must be able to perform the essential duties of the job. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred

Language Ability:

• Employee is able to read and understand written directions in English, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Thorne Research Employee Handbook.
• The employee follows instructions, both verbal and written, and communicates effectively with supervisors and fellow employees. 

Math Ability:

• Employee has the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in the units of measurement used in the Production Department, using whole numbers and decimals (for example, grams). 

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to work an entire shift, when necessary, in an enclosed room.
• Must be medically qualified to work while using a half-mask respirator or a full-air respirator for up to four hours at a time and be able to follow Thorne Research’s Respiratory Protection Program guidelines.
• Must be able to work in a stationary position as well as move about unassisted.
• Must be able to safely and carefully operate and use assigned production equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as circumstances arise during the course of a shift.
• Must be able to operate, activate, use, prepare, and clean production equipment, occasionally grasping with force and using twisting wrist movements.
• Must have sufficient range of motion with arms and hands to reach overhead and to the side, often repetitively, during a 12-, 10- or 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to hear and converse with supervisors and other employees.
• Must be able to see and read small print.
• Must be able to work in a moderate noise level environment.
• Must be able to work a 12-, 10- or 8-hour shift and overtime as assigned.
• Must be able to move or lift items weighing up to 55 pounds from floor to table and from table to floor, often repetitively, during a 12-, 10- or 8-hour shift.
• Maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
• Employees are expected to meet the Physical Demands of their job, which is an essential duty of this job. If requested and deemed appropriate, Thorne Research will provide a reasonable accommodation to a disabled employee to meet the Physical Demands of the job.

THORNE RESEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER