Pear Packing - Sorting Labor

Position: Pear Sorter

Department: Pear Packing Labor

Location: 6550 WA-14 Bingen, WA 98605

Direct Supervisor: Pear Production Supervisor, QC Lead

Compensation: Training Wage- $16.28/hr; Base Wage- $16.53/hr

Other Compensation: Discretionary Bonuses

Benefits: Employees (& qualifying family members) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our Company’s 401k plan. Both Pretax and Roth options are available. Employees are eligible for 5 days of vacation after 1 year, 10 days after 2 years, 15 days after 10 years, and 20 days after 20 years of employment. A free Costco Membership is offered annually.

Position Summary:

As a Pear Sorter you will sort pears from conveyor rolls by picking up individual pears and placing them onto either a conveyor belt or dropping them into a metal chute or placing them back onto conveyor rolls. Inspect pears for quality and be knowledgeable of bruising, defects, and decay. While sorting, the worker inspects pears by pulling a pear from the pear table, visually inspect it with their eyes and physically inspect with one or both hands. It is essential to remove any pears that are not up to quality standards to ensure customer satisfaction and prevent spoilage.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Inspecting Pears: The Pear Sorter examines each pear for defects, blemishes, bruises, discolorations, and other imperfections that might affect their quality or shelf life.
• Sorting Pears: Based on predetermined criteria and industry standards, the Pear Sorter separates pears into different grades or categories. This sorting process typically involves distinguishing pears based on size, color, shape, and overall appearance.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that only the highest quality pears meet the standards set by the packing facility and industry guidelines is a critical aspect of the role. The Pear Sorter may need to make quick decisions about which pears meet the quality standards and which ones do not.
• Removal of Defective Pears: Any pears that do not meet the required quality standards are removed from the production line to prevent them from reaching the consumer market.
• Operating Sorting Equipment: Many packing facilities use automated sorting equipment that can scan, measure, and sort pears based on various characteristics. The Pear Sorter may need to operate and oversee these machines to ensure accurate sorting.
• Maintaining Cleanliness: Keeping the work area clean and organized is essential to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a hygienic environment for the sorting process.
• Documentation: The Pear Sorter may be required to keep detailed records of the sorted pears, noting the quantities of different grades, the reasons for rejecting certain pears, and other relevant information.
• Collaboration: Effective communication and teamwork are vital in a packing facility. The Pear Sorter needs to coordinate with other team members, including supervisors, packers, and quality control personnel, to ensure a smooth and efficient sorting process.
• Adhering to Safety Standards: Working in a packing facility involves using various tools and equipment, such as knives and sorting machines. The Pear Sorter must follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Continuous Improvement: The Pear Sorter might provide feedback to supervisors and management about potential improvements in the sorting process, equipment, or procedures to enhance overall efficiency and quality.
• Adapting to Variations: Pear quality can vary based on factors such as the season, region, and variety. The Pear Sorter should be adaptable and able to recognize and adjust to these variations in order to maintain consistent quality standards.
• Time Management: Working efficiently is essential to keep up with the pace of the packing facility and ensure that the sorted pears are ready for distribution within the required timeframe.

• Work diligently and cautiously to ensure proper handling and packing of the products and maintain production rate.
• Adhere to good manufacturing practices, personal and work area hygiene & food safety standards and requirements.
• Follow all Plant Safety requirements and adhere to the Company Handbook.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Temperatures can be moderate to cool in this indoor work environment
• Must be able to work inside a packing facility
• Stand on feet for long periods of time (Up to three hours at a time)
• Use of upper extremities and both hands to complete tasks
• Must have good hand dexterity
• Visual acuity and reading of labels
• Must be able to lift .33 to 1lb.

Experience/Education:

• Production or packing experience highly preferred
• HS Diploma/GED preferred