Food Production Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Line Operator Job Description (Day & Night)This position reports to: Production Supervisor (Straws)Alternate: Packaging LeadPOSITION SCOPEThe Line Operator operates automated equipment to package finished straws for distribution. This position is responsible for collecting finished products from the production line, bundling and packaging straws into shipping bags, maintaining machine operation through material changes, and performing light equipment replenishment. The Line Operator monitors equipment performance, performs bobbin changes, and ensures continuous production flow. This role supports both day and night shift operations and is essential to meeting production output targets and maintaining product quality standards.ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:Primary Production Duties:Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to review machine and production safety, new customers, customer requirements, and shift/production changesCollect finished, wrapped straws from the conveyor belt as they exit the automated wrapping machineBundle straws into bags according to company and customer specificationsSeal bags with heat sealer or tape to ensure product integrity during shippingApply lot code stickers to bags for traceabilityPlace completed bags in bins located at production lineMaintain production pace to meet output targetsCommunicate any production issues or concerns to Supervisor or Line SupportPerform other duties as needed or assignedMachine Operation and Maintenance:Monitor the automated wrapper machine to ensure proper operation and product qualityReplace bobbin and wrapper material approximately every 45 minutes (13-15 times per shift)Thread paper material through the machine during bobbin changesFill the straw hopper as needed to maintain continuous productionMonitor hopper levels and avoid overfilling to prevent belt breakageMonitor machine performance to identify potential issues; switch on light at machine to alert for assistancePerform light cleaning of machinery and work area before and after shiftReport equipment malfunctions or issues to Supervisor or MaintenanceFollow proper machine startup and shutdown proceduresQuality and Safety:Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are metIdentify and set aside defective or non-conforming product; notify SupervisorVerify lot codes are correct on stickers before applicationMaintain a clean and organized workstation per GMP requirementsFollow all company safety protocols and food safety requirementsWear required PPE including hair net, gloves, beard net, and hearing protectionReport food safety concerns, foreign material findings, or potential contamination immediatelyReport safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to Supervisor immediatelyPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThis position requires MEDIUM-level physical activity including:Frequency of Physical Activities:1. Frequent: Standing at workstation, handling/grasping objects, fine manipulation (bundling, sealing, stickering), reaching, repetitive hand and arm movements2. Occasional: Walking, bending at waist and neck, squatting, trunk rotation, use of step stool/ladderLifting and Carrying:1. Frequent lifting of 2-5 lbs (completed bags of straws, 3.7-4.6 lbs)2. Occasional lifting of 6-10 lbs (straw wrapping material bobbin, 10 lbs, lifted 13-15 times per shift)3. Carrying items up to 10 feet within work areaOther Physical Demands:1. Vision adequate to monitor machinery, inspect product quality, and read lot codes2. Hearing adequate to communicate with co-workers and detect equipment issues3. Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout shift4. Ability to work standing on concrete surfaces for entire shift (anti-fatigue mats provided in some areas)5. Ability to work in production environment with moderate noise levels and varying temperaturesSKILLS REQUIREDThis position requires the following skills:1. Attention to detail for product quality inspection and lot code verification2. Basic mechanical aptitude for bobbin changes and machine monitoring3. Manual dexterity for bundling, sealing, and stickering operations4. Ability to maintain production pace and meet output targets5. Understanding of basic equipment operation and troubleshooting6. Knowledge of food safety and GMP requirements7. Ability to work as part of a production team8. Physical stamina for repetitive tasks throughout shift9. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions10. Receptive to direction and constructive feedback11. Ability to work day or night shifts as scheduledTOOLS REQUIREDThe following tools and equipment are required for this position:1. Automated wrapper machine2. Heat sealer3. Sticker tape gun4. Hand counter at machine5. Wrapper material bobbins6. Google Workspace (Forms, Sheets) for basic documentation7. PPE (hair net, gloves, beard net, hearing protection)