Ariel Baltazar Contreras
Modesto
Summary
Operations and production focus with 10+ years of experience overseeing high‑volume warehouse, receiving and agricultural processing environments. Known for training teams, improving workflow efficiency, maintaining audit‑ready operations, and solving problems under pressure. Strong background in machine operation, quality control, safety compliance, and forklift/aerial lift operation. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Almond Receiving Operator 3
Blue Diamond Growers
Salida
08.2023 - Current
- Lead receiving operations by verifying product quality, moisture levels, and documentation for accurate storage decisions.
- Train new seasonal employees across multiple receiving functions, ensuring safety and performance standards.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate Ag Shift grading equipment to maintain product quality.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate aqua machines and Metler to ensure accurate product moisture readings.
- Oversee wet product processing, monitoring heat/air times and moisture levels to ensure proper processing and documentation.
- Maintain SAP data accuracy for all product movements and inventory.
- Operate forklifts and aerial lifts, including high-stacking and box-turner attachments.
- Support audit readiness and SQF compliance through sanitation, documentation, and safety adherence.
- Led box receiving operations, verified product quality, and ensured accurate SAP documentation.
- Trained seasonal employees and supported cross-department operations.
- Operated pits, dryers, scales, forklifts, and aerial lifts.
- Maintained SQF certification and audit-ready conditions year-round.
- Created game plans for off season sanitation.
- Experienced in shuttling product and high-stacking to many locations.
Filler Operator
SunOpta
Modesto
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Set up, operated, and maintained filling machines to maximize product quality and line efficiency.
- Performed CIP, swap tests, and quality checks to meet FDA and SQF standards.
- Collaborated with maintenance and management to reduce downtime and improve yields.
- Completed all required documentation with accuracy and compliance.
Raw Machine Operator / Forklift Driver (Level 2)
Select Harvest
Turlock
05.2023 - 06.2023
- Operated packaging machinery and ensured product quality, weight accuracy, and customer-spec requirements.
- High-stacked product, maintained inventory using RF scanners, and prepared pallets for shipment.
- Supported troubleshooting, sanitation, and SQF/HACCP compliance.
Forming Operator
Gallo Glass
Modesto
02.2023 - 04.2023
- Filled in for multiple operators, maintaining machine performance and product quality.
- Changed molds, blanks, and rings; performed machine adjustments and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
- Recorded machine changes and maintained a clean, safe work environment.
- Forklift-certified to remove and transport glass bins.
Packaging Machine Operator (PMO)
Frito-Lay
Modesto
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Calibrated and adjusted HMI-controlled machinery to maintain 100% accuracy.
- Troubleshot faults, reduced downtime, and improved production efficiency.
- Performed preventive maintenance, quality checks, and safety compliance.
- Trained new staff on machine operation and safety procedures.
Almond Receiving Operator 3
Blue Diamond Growers
Salida
08.2015 - 11.2022
- Lead receiving operations by verifying product quality, moisture levels, and documentation for accurate storage decisions.
- Train new seasonal employees across multiple receiving functions, ensuring safety and performance standards.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate Ag Shift grading equipment to maintain product quality.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate aqua machines and Metler to ensure accurate product moisture readings.
- Oversee wet product processing, monitoring heat/air times and moisture levels to ensure proper processing and documentation.
- Maintain SAP data accuracy for all product movements and inventory.
- Operate forklifts and aerial lifts, including high-stacking and box-turner attachments.
- Support audit readiness and SQF compliance through sanitation, documentation, and safety adherence.
- Led box receiving operations, verified product quality, and ensured accurate SAP documentation.
- Trained seasonal employees and supported cross-department operations.
- Operated pits, dryers, scales, forklifts, and aerial lifts.
- Maintained SQF certification and audit-ready conditions year-round.
- Created game plans for off season sanitation.
- Experienced in shuttling product and high-stacking to many locations.
Production Labor / Machine Operator
Blue Diamond Growers
Salida
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Supported packaging operations, sanitation, and backup machine operation including the triangle, recording, and the box erector.
- Built tri-walls and containers and maintained clean, safe work areas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Johansen High School
Modesto05-2012
Skills
- Team Training & Development
- Workflow Coordination & Prioritization
- Safety, SQF, HACCP & Audit Readiness
- Root‑Cause Problem Solving
- Quality & Compliance Oversight
- Cross‑Functional Communication
- Machine Troubleshooting & Optimization
- Inventory, SAP & Data Accuracy
- High‑Pace Operations & Decision‑Making
Certification
- Forklift Certified
- OSHA 10 - General Industry
- CPR, AED & First Aid
- Industry Job Instruction Training (TWI Institute)
Languages
- English, Bilingual
- Spanish, Bilingual
Core Leadership Strengths
- Team Training & Development
- Workflow Coordination & Prioritization
- Safety, SQF, HACCP & Audit Readiness
- Root-Cause Problem Solving
- Quality & Compliance Oversight
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Machine Troubleshooting & Optimization
- Inventory, SAP & Data Accuracy
- High-Pace Operations & Decision-Making
Timeline
Almond Receiving Operator 3
Blue Diamond Growers
08.2023 - Current
Filler Operator
SunOpta
07.2023 - 08.2023
Raw Machine Operator / Forklift Driver (Level 2)
Select Harvest
05.2023 - 06.2023
Forming Operator
Gallo Glass
02.2023 - 04.2023
Packaging Machine Operator (PMO)
Frito-Lay
11.2022 - 01.2023
Almond Receiving Operator 3
Blue Diamond Growers
08.2015 - 11.2022
Production Labor / Machine Operator
Blue Diamond Growers
01.2015 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Johansen High School