Prep, Tomato

Job Description Job Title: Tomato Preparation Operator Reports to: Production Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location(s): Boardman, Ohio Last Updated: March 2025 Direct Reports: None POSITION SUMMARY Processes tomatoes received in cans, drums, and totes; handles tomato paste in totes; blends starches and gums according to product recipes; and ensures compliance with food safety, quality, traceability, and sanitation standards throughout the preparation process.

Key Responsibilities

Read, interpret, and follow product recipes, including weights and handling requirements for cans, drums, and totes. Process tomatoes and tomato-based ingredients according to production specifications. Maintain accurate lot coding and batch traceability in accordance with the company traceability program. Track and document lot codes to support food safety and recall readiness.

Perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) operations on tanks and connect process lines for CIP activities. Communicate effectively with Batch Maker Assistants and other team members to ensure proper tote assignments, recipe compliance, allergen controls, and traceability. Work efficiently under pressure while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Clean tanks when required and clean and sanitize all processing equipment. Clean and sanitize the process room before tomato preparation operations begin. Follow all company safety and quality procedures, including SQF, GMP, OSHA, Preventive Controls, and food safety requirements. Complete instructions and production goals established by the supervisor; demonstrate teamwork, initiative, and self-motivation.

Qualifications

& Skills Required Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED preferred. Three to five years of cooking or related processing experience preferred, but not required. Previous food manufacturing, batch-making, or production experience preferred. Technical Skills: Ability to read and comprehend production recipes and work instructions.

Basic math, reading, and writing skills; ability to read and write English fluently. Understanding of lot traceability, production documentation, allergen controls, and food safety requirements. Forklift certification preferred, but not required. Soft Skills & Competencies: Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work effectively with team members across production functions.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced production environment. Self-motivated and able to follow instructions and complete assigned goals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires the physical ability and stamina to work safely in a food manufacturing environment and perform the essential functions listed below.

Frequently lift materials weighing up to and including 100 pounds and push or pull items weighing from 100 to 500 pounds. Frequently stand and walk throughout the work shift. Use manual dexterity and reach with hands and arms regularly. Climb ladders and stairs often; bend and work beneath conveyors as needed. Work in hot and humid environments exceeding 110°F and cold environments below -20°F.

Regularly talk, hear, and see in a production environment. FREQUENT: Standing, walking, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing stairs and ladders, operating equipment, using hand tools, and performing sanitation activities. OCCASIONAL: Working in extreme temperatures, bending or working beneath conveyors, handling heavy materials, and operating a forklift when qualified.

VISION: Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction. HEARING: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description.

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.