Production Associate 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida at GA Foods

Join Our One Team at GA Foods!The Production Associate 1 supports GA Foods? food manufacturing and assembly operations across multiple production environments, including Total Meal System (TMS), shelf-stable production, and frozen meal manufacturing. This is an entry-level role focused on assembly, packaging, material handling, and quality checks in a fast-paced production environment while adhering to strict food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards.This role requires attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to support multiple production tasks as needed to meet operational demands.Why You?ll Love Working HereAt GA Foods, we value our One Team and proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-beingHealth Benefits ? A diverse selection of group health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance offeringsEmployer-Paid Coverage ? 100% employer-paid Short-Term Disability and $25,000 Life/AD&D insuranceHealth Payment Account ? Access to employer-supported resources to help manage healthcare expensesRetirement Savings ? 401(k) plan to invest in your futurePaid Time Off & Holidays ? Enjoy a generous PTO program and 10 employer-paid recognized holidays, starting on your first day.No-Cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ? Includes access to disaster, emergency, and personal support resourcesWhat You?ll Do (Essential Duties & Responsibilities)Assist with the assembly, preparation, and packaging of food and beverage products on assigned production linesPlace finished products into trays, containers, boxes, or cartons, ensuring secure packaging and proper labelingPerform basic visual and quality checks and report defects, discrepancies, or concerns to production leadershipStage, transport, and load raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies to support uninterrupted production flowAssist with basic operation of production and assembly line equipment under supervisionMaintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas throughout the shift, including end-of-shift cleanup and sanitationFollow all food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP requirements, workplace safety standards, and company policiesProperly wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all timesWork collaboratively with team members to meet daily production targets and quality standardsParticipate in required onboarding and ongoing trainingNotify supervisors immediately of equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or product issuesPerform other duties as assigned to support production operations and business needsWhat You Bring (Required Skills & Qualifications)Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mandatory weekends, overtime, or shift adjustments based on business needsAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based production environment with minimal supervisionAbility to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions, safety warnings, labels, and postings in EnglishWillingness to rotate tasks and assist across production functions, including sanitation and cleanupStrong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to food safety and quality standardsPrevious food manufacturing or industrial production experience is preferred but not required; training is providedPhysical Demands & Work EnvironmentThis position requires the ability to perform the following, with or without reasonable accommodation:Standing and walking on the production floor for most of the shiftFrequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items weighing up to 35 lbs.; team lifts or equipment may be usedFrequent use of hands, fingers, wrists, and arms and repetitive motions throughout the shiftAbility to reach, grasp, bend, stoop, squat, stretch, push, and pull as neededWork in an industrial food production environment with exposure to food debris, odors, wet or slippery surfaces, moving machinery, constant equipment noise, and temperature variations including hot and cold areasRequired use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areasEqual Employment Opportunity & Affirmative ActionGA Foods is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.In compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans? Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), GA Foods takes affirmative action to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.GA Food Services of Pinellas County, LLC (GA Foods) maintains a Drug-Free, Smoke-Free Workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.