SUMMARY: The Knife Training Specialists is responsible for the development of ergonomic knife techniques; sharpening and maintaining of sharpened tools. Will work with Production Supervisors to progressively train the employees in their assigned department. Will work with the Training Manager to improve training techniques, position requirements and equipment knowledge. The Knife Training Specialists will work with all employees but will spend more time with those experiencing difficulty with maintaining a sharp cutting tool.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.
- Train and assist in maintaining an effective safety awareness program, including regular departmental safety meetings. Provide timely written feedback on any injuries or accidents and make recommendations for precluding recurrence.
- Directly train and coordinate the activities of production employees consistent with company policy.
- Train hourly production employees to perform duties according to product conformance and specifications and directs set-up and adjustments of machines.
- Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of department.
- Develop a competent workforce by utilizing hands-on training methods in the work area.
- Evaluate employee performance/techniques with cutting tools; train hourly production employees on how to sharpen cutting tools and how to maintain sharpening devices in good condition.
- Travel the production line observing for inappropriate knife usage or knife sharpening techniques that could prevent an employee from having a sharp knife.
- Correct and retrain employees exhibiting behavior that is contrary to training.
- Document and identify trends involving employees, tools or jobs/tasks having most problems with maintaining a sharp cutting tool.
- Schedule training time with employees needing additional training and document.
- Complete progress reports on employees until they qualify for the assigned position. Review progress reports with Training Manager and Production Supervisors on a weekly/daily basis.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Two years working with adults and/or in a production environment preferred; experience in a food industry necessary. Must be able to communicate in English, Spanish and/or dialect.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to think, communicate in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to effectively communicate with maintenance, production and management personnel. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish and/or dialect).
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the company.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations. Demonstrated ability to understand advanced statistics and statistical analysis for process control.
REASONING ABILITY: Strong analytical skills. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to use computers and all standard programs used by the industry and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available. Must be highly skilled in the use of straight and whizard knives to include sharpening techniques and the maintenance of steels, mouse traps and other related sharpening equipment. Must be an effective teacher/trainer exhibiting patience and dedication; exhibit good attendance and safety practices; able to deal with stressful situations calmly and exhibit good judgement; have good time management skills; willing to take instruction from Master Knife Trainers and train according to best practices.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak; hear taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to climb ladders.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to cold/hot and/or humid conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, cold/hot temperature and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud. The work environment includes climate extremes found in all areas of plant operations. Will work in close proximity to other employees working with knives; cramped spaces and in poor lighting and ventilation.
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF's MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remembering that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment. Must believe and fully engage in STF's VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF's VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-
SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace accidents.
QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. Must take pride in the products we produce and serve.
DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity of identity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourage a sense of belonging.
COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland.
SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The hours and days of work are established as needed by the training department and operations and at the discretion of management and may be changed (increased or decreased) by management as required.
