The Opportunity: Earn While You Learn Ever wondered how the perfect layer of chocolate gets onto your favorite treats? Here is your chance to learn the art and science behind it. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is looking for an Enrober Operator Trainee to join our production team in Durango. This is an entry-level, learn-on-the-job role designed for someone who wants to build a long-term career in manufacturing. You don't need to be a chocolate expert on day one - we provide the training. If you have a strong work ethic, a sharp eye for detail, and a desire to grow into a skilled machine operator, we’ll teach you the rest.
The Perks of the Shift: Enjoy a consistent 4-day work week! The standard schedule is Monday through Thursday, 10-hour shifts. (Note: Overtime may be required on Fridays and Saturdays during our peak seasonal rushes).
What You’ll Learn & Do (Core Responsibilities) Guided by experienced Operators and our Start-Up team, you will master the following skills:
- Machine Operation: Learn to prepare, set up, start, and sanitize specialized enrobing machinery, conveyors, pumps, and chocolate-tempering units.
- The Science of Chocolate: Monitor temperature, gauges, and pressure controls to ensure the chocolate maintains the perfect thickness (viscosity) and crystallization.
- Quality Assurance: Collect and examine product samples to ensure consistent color, coverage, and appearance.
- Troubleshooting: Learn to spot mechanical hiccups, clear jams safely, and perform minor maintenance to keep the production line moving.
- Team Support: Keep workstations stocked with supplies, assist with packaging/labeling, and maintain a clean, food-safe environment
- following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
What You Bring (Skills-Based Requirements) We value potential, reliability, and attitude over a long resume. We are looking for candidates who possess:
- Attention to Detail: The ability to carefully follow precise recipes, multi-step instructions, and safety protocols.
- Mechanical Aptitude: A comfort level working around large machinery and a natural curiosity for how things work.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: A proactive attitude - someone who asks questions when something looks off rather than waiting for a mistake to happen.
- Teamwork & Stamina: Clear, respectful communication skills and the ability to maintain a positive attitude during high-volume production days.
Physical & Environmental Readiness:
- Ability to stand and walk for the duration of a 10-hour shift.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally lift up to 50 lbs, and maneuver wheeled carts up to 200 lbs.
- Comfort working in a factory environment with moving conveyors and potential allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts).
Colorado Compliant Compensation & Benefits We believe in investing in our team's well-being. This position offers a competitive starting wage and a robust benefits package:
- Hourly Rate: $18.50 - $19.00 / hour (with room to grow as your skills increase)
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + Health Savings and Flexible Savings Accounts.
- Financial Security: 401(k) with company match, plus company-paid Short/Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Sweet Extras: Professional development opportunities and a generous employee discount on all our chocolate products.
