Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

WAWONA FROZEN FOODS

ABOUT THIS COMPANY

We pride ourselves on being family-owned and operated and treating our employees like family. Working at a company where safety and quality are top priorities. Every day, Wawona Frozen Foods' commitment to excellence justifies its reputation for delivering superior quality, value, and service. Wawona's state-of-the-art production methods and facilities ensure consistent high-quality products - all while maintaining the highest food safety standards as required by the USDA and state regulators.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery during the production process, ensuring equipment functionality, performance tracking, and compliance with safety, quality, and food safety standards. This role requires close collaboration with department leads and supervisors to meet production goals and ensure proper communication and team coordination. Machine Operators also perform scheduled quality control checks and testing, complete production calculations (such as weights, rates, yields, and scrap percentages), and accurately document production and quality data to maintain consistent product quality. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The functions below are considered essential to this position. This list is illustrative of the principal duties of the role and is not an exhaustive description of every task that may be required. Other duties may be assigned consistent with business needs.

Machine Operation & Line Performance

• Accountable for machine performance and line output, including OEE performance as established for the particular process.
• Set up production lines, conduct pre-operational inspections, test equipment, and ensure lines are functioning properly.
• Inspect systems, equipment, and components to identify potential hazards; report findings to lead or supervisor for corrective action.
• Inspect, operate, and maintain primary and secondary automated production and packaging equipment (e.g., fillers, sealers, scales and weighers, metal detectors, and case packers) to ensure optimal performance.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance, recognize and troubleshoot common equipment issues using established solutions, and make minor mechanical adjustments and repairs.
• Collaborate with the team to perform product, packaging, and equipment changeovers safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Promptly inform the lead, supervisor, and maintenance of machine performance irregularities to minimize the impact of production downtime.
• Minimize production scrap, including packaging materials, product loss, and overfill (giveaway).
• Oversee the operation of the production line, ensuring that team members work collaboratively to achieve targets related to safety, quality, and performance.
• Complete all necessary documentation related to production processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards.
• Maintain a strong attendance record to avoid disruptions in production and ensure customer service requirements are met.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in accordance with sanitation and GMP standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• May train new operators on proper operating, quality check, and documentation procedures.

Quality Control Checks & Testing

• Perform in-process quality control checks at required frequencies, including net weight/fill checks, seal integrity, code date and lot code verification, label and packaging accuracy, and metal detector verification.
• Calibrate and verify quality testing equipment (e.g., scales, checkweighers, thermometers) at start-up and as scheduled; perform all tests according to established specifications and procedures.
• Perform visual inspections of product and finished packages to identify defects such as foreign material, discoloration, damaged or poorly sealed packages, and incorrect labeling; recommend corrective actions.
• Place nonconforming product on hold per company procedures and notify Quality Assurance and the supervisor.
• Monitor and document quality measures using analytical tools such as check sheets, control charts, and trend logs; participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations, including root cause analysis.

Production Data & Calculations

• Accurately record operational, production, quality, and downtime data on production logs, check sheets, and electronic systems in a timely and legible manner.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations as part of routine operation, including net and tare weights, averages, percentages, yields, scrap and giveaway rates, line speeds (units per minute), and unit conversions (e.g., pounds, ounces, kilograms).
• Verify fill weights against label declarations and tolerance limits; calculate adjustments and change equipment settings based on results.
• Calculate and track line performance measures, including OEE (availability, performance, and quality), and compare results to established targets.
• Reconcile packaging material usage and finished goods counts at the end of each run or shift.

Safety & Food Safety Compliance

• Participate actively in Wawona Frozen Foods' safety program to maintain a healthy, injury-free environment.
• Demonstrate safety as a core value; follow, reinforce, and coach others on company safety rules and practices.
• Consistently comply with all safety procedures, including required PPE, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and machine guarding requirements.
• Participate in training and company meetings to facilitate individual and company growth.
• Comply with all GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, Food Defense, and SQF policies and procedures; empowered to notify and/or act in response to any issues or concerns within the scope of work.
• Maintain product quality through adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), FSMA Preventive Controls, product specifications, and quality procedures.

COMPETENCIES

Attention to Detail – Identifies equipment, product, or process issues quickly to prevent quality or safety problems.

Mechanical Aptitude – Understands machine operation and performs basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on production equipment.

Quality Focus – Performs quality control checks accurately and at required frequencies, and takes ownership of product meeting specifications.

Numerical & Analytical Skills – Performs production and quality calculations accurately and uses data to identify trends and guide adjustments.

Problem Solving – Troubleshoots equipment and quality issues systematically, applies established solutions, and escalates when needed.

Safety Awareness – Proactively identifies and reports hazards and consistently follows safety and food safety protocols.

Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with department leads, supervisors, and line team members to meet production goals.

Communication – Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including shift handoffs and documentation.

Reliability – Maintains a strong attendance record and consistently meets production and documentation requirements.

Adaptability – Remains flexible to changing schedules, including weekends and overtime, to support production needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED, U.S. military service, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of experience operating manual and automated production or packaging equipment; experience with fillers and/or sealing machinery preferred.
• One (1) year of experience performing quality tests using analytical tools (e.g., scales, checkweighers, control charts).
• One (1) year of experience in a regulated food manufacturing environment (GMP, HACCP, SQF).
• One (1) year of mechanical experience troubleshooting minor machine failures and making minor adjustments.

Skills

• Understanding of production procedures.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages, and the ability to apply them to weights, rates, yields, and unit conversions.
• Experience conducting quality tests and recording and analyzing data.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Mechanical knowledge of automated machines and tools; ability to perform basic preventative maintenance and repair minor mechanical issues on machines and systems.
• Keen attention to detail to identify maintenance, product, or operations issues.
• Ability to work in accordance with safety, quality, and sanitation standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Ability to train others and verify their understanding of procedures.
• Flexible and available to work weekends and overtime as required.

Language Skills

• Ability to communicate in English by reading, speaking, and writing.
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications as they relate to production orders.
• Ability to understand written policies, SOPs, product specifications, and safety standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Key: Occasionally = up to 1/3 of the workday • Frequently = 1/3 to 2/3 of the workday • Constantly = 2/3 or more of the workday

Physical Demand

Frequency

Stand

Frequently

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms

Frequently

Walk

Occasionally

Climb or balance

Occasionally

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Occasionally

Talk or hear

Occasionally

Lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

Regularly

Lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Frequently

Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

Employees are exposed to non-weather wet conditions and sub-freezing temperatures. Floors are wet and slippery, and anti-slip shoes are required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Wawona Frozen Foods is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or other applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Company will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with, and provide reasonable accommodation to, any qualified individual with a disability who requests one or for whom the Company otherwise becomes aware a need may exist, consistent with the ADA and FEHA.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

This job description does not create an employment contract and is not a promise of continued employment for any specific duration. Employment with Wawona Frozen Foods is at-will: either the employee or the Company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. No supervisor, manager, or Company representative other than the President/CEO or Director of Human Resources has authority to enter into an agreement for employment for a specified term, and any such agreement is valid only if in writing and signed by the President/CEO or Director of Human Resources.

This job description may be modified at any time to reflect the changing needs of the business and does not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have reviewed and understand the above job description and believe it to be accurate and complete. I certify that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand this document does not constitute a contract of employment and that my employment with the Company is at-will.