Hawthorne Foods is currently looking for motivated candidates for the role of Production Associate that are looking to build a career in the Organic Food & Beverage Industry.

This entry-level position is responsible for tasks based upon the daily needs of the plant.
Production Associates participate as members of a cross-functional team as well as working independently. They are responsible for a broad number of tasks that can range from handling raw local produce on a seasonal schedule, to operating warehouse equipment, to operating manufacturing equipment on the production line, and more.

Hawthorne Foods is currently running one shift Monday - Friday (8:25 AM-4:30 PM) with opportunities for voluntary overtime.

Who We Are:

Hawthorne Foods is focused on 3 things: Farms, Community, and Delicious Organic Foods.

Our first products were born in the cellar of the oldest biodynamic farm in New York State. What began as a creative solution to a bumper crop of cabbage slowly grew into a separate mission-based company focused on fermented foods. With the enthusiastic support of a handful of mission aligned partners, our team converted a former plastic factory in Hudson, NY into a modern SQF certified fermentation facility.

Everyday we work to emulate the farmers that we depend on and inspire us. They nurture crops, and we work to create crave-able nutritious foods from them. They tend to the soil that sustains them, as we work to create living wage jobs in our community.

We are pioneering organic food production, at scale, in service of the farmers, people, and plates of the Hudson Valley and beyond.

The Industry:

Fermented foods category sales are growing as consumer interest in the microbiome mounts. Fermented foods comprise 1.4% of overall food and beverage sales, reaching $9.2 billion in sales in the United States (2021). The market is expected to grow by an additional $533 million through 2026.

Growing your career as a Full Time Production Associate is a fantastic opportunity to join this expanding business and industry.

The Job:

● Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, in Hudson, NY
● Reporting to the Senior Operations Team
● Core team member in the day to day preparations, production & packaging of our products, Including:

• Vegetable handling: Both manually and with cutting machinery

• Following recipes with a team to produce large batches of product

• Working warehouse equipment, such as pallet jacks, stacking lifts, and other large floor equipment

• Maintaining and following all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to produce safe, high quality foods

• Working positions on the automated packaging line, operating and monitoring machinery

• Performing daily sanitation duties

● Safely perform duties in a productive manner as assigned by supervisor or manager.

● Safely operate all machinery for each line to which they are assigned

• Operates and monitors assigned lines, materials, and finished product as necessary to facilitate proper flow and machine operation.

• Follow the correct procedures for all products produced

• Operate pallet jacks safely

• Maintains work area in a clean, safe and orderly fashion according to company policy.

● Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and participate in Food Safety Culture.

● Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned

Working Conditions: Fermentation can be messy

● The environment may be wet or dry
● Long periods of standing or walking on a manufacturing floor required
● Lifting, kneeling, and bending with packages in excess of 50 lbs.
● This role requires occasional brief work loading & unloading in poor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow.

Your Skills:

● Punctual and attentive
● Great verbal communicator and problem-solver
● Thrive in a fast paced environment
● Extremely flexible and comfortable with constant improvement
● Ability to multitask and change tasks quickly
● Works well in a team scenario & solo
● Comfortable with technology and machinery & interested in learning
● Not afraid to get your hands dirty
● An interest and passion about food
● Goal-oriented
● Reliably commute to the plant
● Previous experience working with food and basic knowledge of food safety is preferred but not required.
● Culinary or mechanical experience is a plus but not essential.

Robust on the job training will be provided to motivated applicants of any experience level.

At Hawthorne Foods, we pride ourselves on a strong team that has been promoted from within.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour introductory rate based on experience + Monthly Incentive Bonus

Benefits:

● Dental insurance
● Health insurance
● Paid Time Off (Up to 15 days + 9 holidays)
● Foot Wear Stipend
● Opportunities for advancement (most company managers started in this role)
● Monthly Incentive bonus pay
● Delicious Hawthorne Foods Product
● Free snack stocked break room