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Job Description

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Reports To: Operations Supervisor 

Travel Requirements: None 

Work Location: Green Bay, WI (Ontario or Vital Place Plant)

Role Summary:

An Operations Associate plays a critical role in supporting day-to-day operational functions in various departments on the plant floor. These positions may be responsible for managing incoming materials through cold processing, freeze drying, packaging, and warehousing amongst other various tasks. The role is essential for ensuring efficient processes are maintained within scope of job duties while upholding the highest standard of safety and quality. 

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Operations Associates may be assigned to various departments within the production and warehousing plants. General duties may include: 

Cold Processing:

Prepare pet food products by measuring, weighing, and placing them on trays, then loading trays onto carts and labeling accordingly. Complete production paperwork and follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Freeze Dry:

Responsible for handling and moving product carts, operating freeze dryers, inspecting product quality, and maintaining accurate production records. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed. 

Packaging:

Responsible for packaging pet food into bags, boxes, and other containers according to weight and quantity specifications. Duties include labeling packages, stacking boxes on pallets, scanning and wrapping pallets, and using a pallet jack for movement. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Warehouse:

Operates forklifts and other equipment to receive, inspect, and record incoming deliveries while maintaining accurate shipment logs. Ensures equipment is properly maintained, handles shipping-related issues, and keeps the warehouse clean, safe, and organized. You will follow all safety and food quality standards while supporting various production tasks and assisting other departments as needed.

Operations Associates will be assigned a specific role within the plant and may be required to fill job duties of other areas as business needs require. 

Job Description

Department: Quality Assurance

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

Shift: 2nd 

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Reports To: FSQA Supervisor 

Work Location: Green Bay, WI (Vital Place Plant)

Role Summary:

An FSQA Inspector is responsible for upholding the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all pet food products. This role plays a vital part in protecting the health and well-being of pets by carefully monitoring, evaluating, and verifying every stage of the manufacturing process — from raw material selection to final product packaging. By ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements, internal quality systems, and customer specifications, the FSQA Inspector helps maintain product integrity and fosters consumer trust in our brand.

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Quality Control

• Conduct routine inspections and audits of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Perform laboratory tests and analyses to identify contaminants or deviations from established specifications.
• Evaluate and test products in accordance with the Quality Plan to verify conformance to requirements.
• Place nonconforming products on physical hold and communicate findings to relevant personnel.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
• Collect raw material samples from production for laboratory testing.
• Conduct visual and swab-based pre-operational verifications of sanitation activities and initiate corrective or preventive actions when needed.
• Monitor employee hygiene practices and communicate any noncompliance to appropriate staff.
• Perform audits of glass and brittle plastic controls.
• Verify scale weights and oxygen analyzer accuracy according to established schedules.
• Serve as the primary quality and food safety contact on the production floor.
• Report any FSQA system issues to leadership and ensure compliance with all FSQA standards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, AAFCO, and other applicable regulatory and industry standards.
• Stay current with evolving regulations and proactively implement required process or documentation updates.

Process Monitoring

• Oversee production processes from ingredient receipt through packaging to identify potential food safety or quality risks.
• Partner with production teams to implement corrective and preventive measures and drive continuous process improvement.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely records of inspections, tests, and other quality assurance activities.
• Prepare detailed reports on product quality, safety, and compliance for management review.
• Accurately enter and manage data within applicable computer systems.

Training and Development

• Train production and support staff on quality assurance protocols, sanitation practices, and food safety procedures.
• Develop, update, and communicate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to identify and implement opportunities for product and process improvement.
• Recommend and support actions to enhance quality, food safety, and operational efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities

• Replenish sanitation and personal hygiene supplies throughout production areas as needed.
• Collaborate with production personnel and the FSQA Supervisor to make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
• Act as a proactive advocate for food safety, product quality, and continuous improvement across all departments.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Description

Role Summary

The Weekend Driver is responsible for safely transporting raw materials and finished goods between company facilities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and reliability. This role ensures timely deliveries and pickups, performs routine vehicle inspections, and assists with loading and unloading activities as needed. A Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required. The Weekend Driver will work closely with facility teams to support weekend operations and represent the company with integrity and a strong commitment to safety.

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Safely transport raw materials and finished goods between the Company's facilities while following all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report any maintenance or safety concerns.
• Operate company vehicles in a safe, courteous, and efficient manner.
• Operate a forklift to assist with the safe and efficient loading and unloading of trailers as needed.
• Properly secure cargo to prevent damage or loss during transport.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and transportation documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs) when required.
• Monitor and report any issues related to the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to the Director of Quality Assurance or executive leadership team while maintaining strict adherence to FSMS requirements.
• Communicate effectively with facility personnel and leadership regarding delivery schedules, delays, or operational concerns.
• Complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities as directed, regardless of job level, to support overall business operations.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
• Class B CDL is required.
• Ability to provide a current Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
• Forklift certification preferred or ability to become certified.
• Familiarity with transportation-related documents such as Bills of Lading (BOLs) preferred.
• Previous experience operating commercial vehicles, box trucks, or delivery vehicles is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of transportation safety practices and company policies.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles and forklifts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform thorough pre- and post-trip inspections and identify potential maintenance concerns.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and perform a variety of tasks as needed.
• Commitment to workplace safety, product integrity, and continuous improvement.