Apple Packing - Apple Packing Labor

Position: Apple Sorter/Packer

Department: Apple Packing

Location: 6550 WA-14 Bingen, WA 98605

Direct Supervisor: Apple 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:

Inspect Apples for quality. Sorting Apples requires a keen eye for detail to identify any damaged or spoiled fruit. It is essential to remove any apples that are not up to quality standards to ensure customer satisfaction and prevent spoilage.

Sort Apples by size. Apples come in different sizes, and it is essential to sort them according to size to ensure that they fit into the appropriate packaging. Sorting apples by size can also help to maximize the number of apples that can fit in a box or crate, increasing efficiency.

Pack apples into boxes. Once the apples have been sorted by quality and size, they need to be packed into boxes. It is essential to pack them carefully to avoid damaging the fruit and ensure that they are stacked securely to prevent them from falling out of the boxes during transportation.

Apple Packing labor rotates every 30 minutes between sorting and packing boxes.

While Sorting, the worker will visually inspect fruit by pulling a piece of fruit from the table, visually inspecting it with their eyes, physically inspecting it with one or both hands, and place the fruit in a template on the table closest to them or place the fruit in a conveyor if it consists of bruising, decay and/or defect or needs to be resized.

While packing boxes, the worker will pull an empty box from mezzanine and place it on the staging table. The worker will fill the box by pulling and placing the template into the box. Once the box reaches the number of templates needed to fill the box, the worker will close the top of the box and hit a button in front of them that will drop the box. The worker will push the box with one or both hands or nudge the box with their leg to give it momentum to go down the conveyor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Inspecting Apples: The Apple Sorter examines each Apple for defects, blemishes, bruises, discolorations, and other imperfections that might affect their quality or shelf life.
• Sorting Apples: Based on predetermined criteria and industry standards, the Apple Sorter separates Apples into different grades or categories. This sorting process typically involves distinguishing Apples based on size, color, shape, and overall appearance.
• Packing Apples: Pull an empty box from mezzanine and place it on the staging table. Fill the box by pulling and placing the template into the box. Once the box reaches the number of templates needed to fill the box, close the top of the box and hit a button in front of them that will drop the box. Then push the box with one or both hands or nudge the box with their leg to give it momentum to go down the conveyor.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that only the highest quality Apples meet the standards set by the packing facility and industry guidelines is a critical aspect of the role. The Apple Sorter may need to make quick decisions about which Apples meet the quality standards and which ones do not.
• Removal of Defective Apples: Any Apples 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 Apples based on various characteristics. The Apple 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 Apple Sorter may be required to keep detailed records of the sorted Apples, noting the quantities of different grades, the reasons for rejecting certain Apples, and other relevant information.
• Collaboration: Effective communication and teamwork are vital in a packing facility. The Apple 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 Apple Sorter must follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Continuous Improvement: The Apple 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: Apple quality can vary based on factors such as the season, region, and variety. The Apple 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 Apples 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.
• Rotate every 30 minutes between sorting and packing.
• Be willing to bag as needed.
• 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.
• Must be able to reach overhead.
• Visual acuity and reading of labels.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull .33 to 5 lbs.

Experience/Education:

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