Machine Operator I $23.20/hr. (12 Hour Days)

Increased to $23.95/Hr. upon successful completion of training and skills validation. Position Summary: The primary responsibility of the Packaging Machine Operator I position is to ensure the proper operation of the packaging equipment/machinery in a safe and efficient manner, keeping food quality and safety as a top priority. This position is responsible for all operations and efficiencies of the packaging line and maximizes operating performance, uptime, waste reduction, quality and productivity. This includes trouble shooting and doing predicative maintenance inspections, and minor repairs. Communicates clearly with other line employees to ensure no errors occur, and the correct materials are utilized as outlined in the Bill of Materials (BOM) on the packaging line. Completes all transactions using the company Enterprise Resource (ERP) System. Assures the proper pallet patterns as well as the codes of primary and secondary containers are correct. Completes all packaging forms accurately and timely. Must be able to function at a high level of performance in any of the general packaging positions including Dumper, Stacker, and/or Packer. Maintains good working communication with other team members and follows direction from the Packaging Lead/Supervisor. This position requires the ability to safely and efficiently operate and validate on one of the three packaging processes. The three packaging processes include Vertical, Horizontal, and Carton packaging lines. Main Responsibilities:

• Operate packaging machinery including up to two processes: horizontal pouch, horizontal carton, vertical pouch, or robot process. Set up and adjust packaging machines. Monitor and analyze machine operation to detect and urgently correct minor mechanical issues to minimize or prevent downtime. Complete minor machine repairs or adjustments that fall under the operator responsibility. Perform routine maintenance on machines, including clean and inspection tasks. Communicate machine signs or symptoms to maintenance, leads, and other machine operators to prevent or resolve equipment downtime.
• Work closely with Operator Helpers to ensure the line runs efficiently, materials and supplies are replenished consistently and accurately, and work areas are kept clean and organized to maintain a safe working environment.
• Operate a forklift as needed to meet the needs of the packaging department.
• Inspect packaged products to ensure it meets quality standards. Conduct and document regular equipment checks for consistent and accurate quality and food safety production and detection. Troubleshoot and resolve any issues causing a quality defect. Report any quality events or defects to Supervisor.
• Work with the Sanitation and Quality teams to complete and document line changeovers. Carry out line changeovers from start to finish including, disassembly, cleaning and reassembly of the equipment. Ensure the line and materials for the next production run meet company specifications.
• Strictly adhere to all Safety & Food Safety/Quality policies and procedures within the packaging department. This involves reporting Safety & Food Safety/Quality incidents to your Supervisor and participating in RCAs. Actively identifying potential Safety & Food Safety/Quality risks and resolving or reporting those risks to your Supervisor. Complete all training assigned by the company before the target due date.
• Maintain accurate reporting of inventory in the ERP. Compare the current physical inventory against the ERP inventory for accuracy. Submit corrections in the ERP or to your lead. Ensure products consumed on the line meet requirements for accurate and safe consumption of material.
• Use Microsoft Windows (computer) and Apple (iPad) operating systems to meet responsibilities around reporting, documentation, and communication. Use operations mobile platform to monitor and document overall equipment efficiency and quality datasheets, use ERP to manage material inventory, access product specifications, and other platforms as needed to fulfill responsibilities.
• Train new employees to complete their training logs, as well as share standard practices for executing responsibilities. Train Operator Helpers working on the line to develop skills necessary to become a Machine Operator and to act as backup during Machine Operator breaks.

Qualifications/Required Skills of the Position:

• Education and/or Experience: Previous experience in packaging operations or similar equipment preferred.
• Technical Skills: Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments on machinery. Understand how to troubleshoot a common issue. Ability to use tools and/or measuring devices in US or Metric units. Forklift certification, SQF training, and LOTO training preferred.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, comprehend, and compose simple to complex instructions, polices, procedures and correspondence in English or Spanish.
• Computer Skills: Able to use Microsoft applications and Redzone (Apple) software.
• Reasoning Ability: Demonstrates self-confidence and maturity to make decisions and solve problems with minimal direction. Possesses analytical, quantitative, communication, problem solving, and technical skills.  Has the ability to creatively apply experience, and common sense for processes.
• Interpersonal Skills: Clearly communicate with the Operator Helper, leadership team, and co-workers in a professional manner.

Other Details:

• Work Environment: The position is located in a food processing facility. Frequently, exposed to hot, dusty conditions and moving mechanical parts. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends.
• Physical Requirements: Demonstrates the ability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete floors for extended periods of time. Must be able to use stairs consistently throughout shift. Position requires repetitive motion – hand, arm and shoulder movement. Must be able to drive a powered industrial vehicle.

Alignment with Core Values of the Company:

• Respect & Value Our People
• Stay in Front of Change While Reducing Costs
• Delight our Customers
• Food Quality & Safety

*We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.