Description:
PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE
TR Toppers is recruiting for a full-time Production Associate, 4 x 10 shift, Monday-Thursday, in Pueblo, CO. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and be willing to work hard. The candidate should also be dependable, have a positive attitude, be adaptable, be honest, be self-motivated, be willing to learn and grow, and have strong self-confidence. We encourage you to apply for this position if this description fits you.
TR Toppers offers a competitive compensation package based on experience, including a year-end bonus and a company-funded pension plan. Benefits include optional medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous paid time off, holidays, and a great work environment.
TR Toppers is a national food processing company located in Pueblo, CO. We specialize in processing name-brand candies and other types of inclusions used in various food products, such as ice cream and cakes, and shipping them throughout the United States. We are a progressive, family-owned business that is rapidly growing.
SUMMARY: The Production Associate supports daily manufacturing operations by preparing raw materials, performing product inspections, completing required documentation, packing finished goods, and maintaining compliance with food safety and quality standards. This position plays a key role in ensuring efficient production flow, accurate recordkeeping, and safe handling of food products while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
The associate must follow all company policies, safety rules, GMPs, and allergen procedures while performing tasks across multiple production roles as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production Operations
- Clean case exteriors to remove debris before opening and staging raw materials.
- Prepare raw product for processing by opening cases, placing ingredients onto conveyors, and supporting continuous material flow.
- Pour or dump raw product safely while preventing spills, floor waste, and cross-contamination.
- Visually inspect raw materials during handling and report abnormalities such as damaged packaging, moisture, or foreign material.
- Communicate material needs or product flow issues to machine operators and supervisors.
Quality & Food Safety Inspection
- Inspect raw and finished product continuously to identify foreign material, quality defects, damaged packaging, or allergen concerns.
- Monitor product at pre-chop and post-chop inspection points and stop the line when contamination or hazards are detected.
- Inspect finished product bags for proper seals, spacing, correct weights, and visible product quality.
- Remove defective, contaminated, or improperly sealed bags and follow rework or disposal protocols.
- Follow GMPs, allergen controls, PPE requirements, handwashing procedures, and sanitation guidelines at all times.
Documentation & Paperwork
- Complete required production paperwork accurately and on time, including Inbound Lot Tracking Forms, Production Logs, Downtime Logs, Rework Tracking Forms, and Film/Bag/Starch Lot Tracking Forms.
- Record pallet movements, quantities, license plates, lot numbers, and raw material usage.
- Verify FIFO and allergen compatibility for each material used and document exceptions as needed.
- Communicate discrepancies in counts, waste, or production activity to supervisors.
Packaging & Case Packing
- Hand-pack finished bags into cases in the correct quantities based on specifications.
- Fold and insert liners, close cases, and feed them through tape machines while confirming seals and code dates.
- Reject damaged or contaminated packaging and ensure only acceptable cases proceed to finished goods.
- Assist automated packaging operations and hand-pack overflow product as required.
Recycling & Waste Handling
- Break down cardboard, load it into recycling conveyors, and assist in operating the cardboard baler when needed.
- Sort waste according to established protocols (floor waste, plastic, starch waste, trash).
- Maintain a clean and safe work area throughout the shift, including sweeping, waste removal, and pallet organization.
- Inspect pallets and separate good pallets from damaged ones, removing splintered or unsafe boards per procedure.
Housekeeping & Production Support
- Assist with production-down and cleanup procedures, including staging equipment, collecting waste, sweeping floors, and preparing tools for sanitation.
- Ensure the production area is cleared of product, packaging, debris, and equipment at shift end.
- Immediately report any equipment issues, damaged packaging, product abnormalities, or foreign materials to Supervisors and QA.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all safety procedures, including PPE usage, safe lifting, material handling, and working around conveyors and moving equipment.
- Report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately to supervision.
- Adhere to all GMPs, allergen protocols, company policies, and food safety requirements.
- Employees must follow all safety procedures, wear required PPE, and work in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and company standards.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required
Requirements:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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High School Diploma or GED.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen as a condition of employment.
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time, 40+ hours - DAY SHIFT currently working 4 x 10, Monday through Thursday; Flexible schedules; May need to work weekends or overtime to meet the company's needs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Food industry experience is highly desirable
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Forklift experience is a plus, but not required
Essential Job Functions:
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Ability to lift to 50 pounds
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Ability to stand for the entire shift (8 - 12 hours)
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Ability to perform repetitive motion tasks
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Exposure to loud environments, dust, and varying temperatures
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This role requires working in areas where major food allergens are processed and handled, including peanuts, nuts, dairy, soy, and wheat. Employees must be able to perform essential job duties safely in an environment with these allergens.
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Moving mechanical parts
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Cold and freezer conditions
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Wet or slippery floors
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Moderate to loud noise levels
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Fast-paced production lines
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Cleaning chemicals used in sanitation processes
HOW TO APPLY: Submit your application by clicking on this link and clicking APPLY on the top right-hand side: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/2e64a87c-d9e2-4493-a60b-0bf58e10b7a0/TR-Toppers-INC
OPEN: December 4, 2025
CLOSES - Open until filled
Pay Rate: $18.00/hour + DOE as a Regular TR Toppers, Inc.
EEO AA M/F/VET/DISABILITY