Kitchen Operator

At Perla Foods, the Kitchen Operator plays an important role in preparing ingredients and supporting food production operations. This position is responsible for handling raw materials, preparing and seasoning products according to established recipes, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment while adhering to food safety and sanitation standards. The Kitchen Operator must demonstrate strong attention to detail, follow established production procedures, and work effectively in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment while ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements. Essential Job Responsibilities Follow established cleaning and sanitation procedures for equipment and workstations to prevent contamination. Open and handle containers such as cans and barrels of olives, peppers, and other ingredients. Drain and desalinate products as required for production. Season and mix olives and other products according to approved recipes and production specifications. Place prepared raw materials into designated containers or production equipment. Accurately weigh ingredients to ensure product consistency and quality control. Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace at all times. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Complete required production and inventory documentation accurately. Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. Collaborate with kitchen and production staff to support efficient and timely production operations. Perform repetitive production tasks while maintaining consistent quality and efficiency. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a production environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety standards. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a food manufacturing, food service, or regulated production environment. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and food safety standards. Previous experience in ingredient preparation or food production. Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish) are a plus. Working Conditions Work is performed in a food manufacturing and production environment. Exposure to noise, moving machinery, moisture, food products, and temperature variations may occur. Work may take place in hot, cold, or refrigerated areas, including environments with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 50°F. Employees must follow all plant sanitation, hygiene, and food safety policies, including wearing appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Schedule may change based on production needs, including the potential for evenings, weekends, or overtime. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift. Ability to lift and carry containers or materials weighing up to 50 pounds regularly. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when handling materials or cleaning equipment. Ability to perform repetitive motions such as pouring, mixing, lifting, and handling ingredients. Manual dexterity to safely handle food products, containers, and production equipment. Food Safety Responsibilities All employees are responsible for supporting the company's food safety and quality initiatives by following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation procedures, and company food safety policies. Employees must report any food safety or product quality concerns immediately to management.

Pay:

From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person