Machine Operator

Machine Operator

This position is based at our Hampton Farms location in Franklin, VA.

Hampton Farms is the leading In-Shell Peanut Company in the US. We are also a leading producer of other types of nuts and nut butters for the retail and commercial markets. You can find our product in most grocery stores and major league baseball stadiums. We distribute under the Hampton Farms brand and are also a leading private label manufacturer.

Job Purpose

• Hampton Farms are looking for Filler/Capper and Ingredient Operators. The filler/capper operator of Hampton Farms is involved in the manufacture of food products intended for the customer. The filler / capper operator provides a critical step in Hampton Farms food quality and safety for producing our peanut product. Being a producer of peanut butter products, the filler / capper operator is aware of risks involved with regard to proper jar size, fill, temperature, rates, proper cap to use, and consistent flow of peanut butter from surge kettle to filler. The filler / capper operator must maintain a clean and sanitary operation. The filler / capper is trained in various areas pertaining to the job required.
• The Ingredient operator provides a critical step in HF food quality and safety for producing our peanut butter products. Must work in conjunction with production supervisor and quality assurance department as well as other Hampton Farms team members. Being a producer of peanut products, the ingredient operator is aware of risks involved with regard to proper formula usage, correct ingredient feed rates, peanut flow from correct bin to milling, rework, and other aspects of the facility. The ingredient operator must maintain a clean and sanitary operation. The ingredient operator is trained in various areas pertaining to the job required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ingredient Operator

• Verify with Production Supervisor/team lead that correct peanuts are being used and communicate with management to confirm correct peanuts are being supplied
• Verify with Production Supervisor/team lead which formula is to be used
• Verify that the mill hopper is cleaned and sanitized
• Maintain a consistent and constant product (peanut) flow from the storage bins to the jar filler or bulk station
• Understand the process flow of the product from the time it enters the primary bin and weight belt feed to bin in ingredients to the filler on package line, and / or bulk station
• Vacuum any dust off ingredient bags before dumping into bins
• Run the hot oil flush system for product clean out and sanitation
• Understand the re-work system and percent feedback rate of product allowed by managementfill out all associated paperwork for traceability
• Record lot numbers of each ingredient used in production
• Record any downtime, length of time and explanation on downtime report sheets
• Follow the FIFO (first in first out) procedure for ingredients usage.
• Maintain adequate levels of each ingredient being used. Verify the correct rates and record on the ingredient Feed Rate Form. Turn paperwork into management
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area during each shift by sweeping & mopping the ingredient floor, wipping hoppers, sweeping platform deck, and emptying trash cans.
• At the end of the shift sweep the ingredient floor area
• Help fellow employees in other areas where needed
• Any other work assigned by the production shift supervisor or team lead
• Complete any other reports or forms assigned by management

Filler/Capper Operator

• Inspect, adjust, and calibrate the machine as required to ensure consistent operation
• Verify & make sure correct jars, labels, caps are used
• Verify with ingredient operator there is peanut butter in the kettle.
• Change over the filler, capper, sealer, cap hopper, heuft, checkweigher, and Depal as needed. You may sometimes need to adjust the conveyors
• Maintain a consistent and constant product (peanut butter) flow
• Verify with QA and Setup Video Jet printer, verify information is correct
• Insure machinery is properly started and stopped to minimize maintenance and down time
• Insure product type and containers are correct matching daily production sheet
• Insure all information on packaging and boxes is correct
• Record all downtime, length of time, and explanation on Down Time Report. Turn in the report to Shift Supervisor/team lead
• Record any other issues or concerns during your shift
• Clean and maintain the jar depal area during and after your shift
• Fill out other reports assigned
• Assist QA Management in any task that needs to be done as assigned.
• Help fellow employees in other areas when needed and remove all trash daily at end of shifts

Skills and Competencies:

• GMP Training (New hire and Annual)
• SOP's for Storage Program (Packaging Supplies,, Inventory Control, Stock Rotation, Raw Materials and Finished Product)
• Above average computer skills
• Basic math skills
• Above average communication skills

Measures for Success:

• 100 % correct orders, orders fulfilled accurately and timely.
• Daily production goals achieved based on customer specs and orders.
• Work with team members maintaining daily sanitation by confirming that the work area has been cleaned after each shift.

Quality Assurance:

• Knows and adheres to GMP policy and all Quality policies and procedures.
• Assists in identifying and or reporting non-conforming products to aid in eliminating waste.
• Communicates daily with Corporate Quality Team and plant manager to ensure customer specifications are met.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent(GED).

Desired:

• Experience with food manufacturing Principles and implementation.
• 1-3 years' production manufacturing experience.
• Must be able to work well both independently and collaboratively.

Job Physical Demands:

• Continuous standing in one location for long periods (2-3 hours before break)
• Lifting: Intermediate lifting up to 55 lbs for up to half your shift (up to 4 hours)
• Climbing :ladders, stairs, etc. using feet and legs or hands and arms 1/3 of the time
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds by ears
• Depth Perception: Three dimensional vision. Ability to judge distances
• Color Vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and manufacturing environments along with duties that will require employee to work in a production/plant environment where physical hazards such as industrial equipment and forklifts may be present.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Vision
• Dental
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance (EAP)
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Assistance (TAP)
• Teladoc
• 401K Match
• Paid Vacation and Personal Days
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave