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.

JOB SUMMARY:

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. Operators will also complete necessary paperwork and conduct checks to maintain consistent product quality.

DUTIES INCLUDE

• Active participation in Wawona Frozen Foods' Safety program to maintain a healthy and injury-free environment.
• Participate in training and company meetings to facilitate individual and company growth.
• Compliance with all GMP, HAACP, 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.
• Accountable for machine performance and line output, including OEE performance as established for particular process.
• Entry level ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment and repair simple breakdowns.
• Ability to read and understand customer specifications as they tie into process orders.
• Oversees the crew in specified process line and ensures that employees have are working together to achieve targets, including safety, quality, performance while maintaining a neat and organized work area.
• Set up production lines, perform pre-op and post op inspections, test lines and ensure proper operation.
• Ability to properly fill out all paperwork required for the process.
• Inspects systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards and reports findings to lead or supervisor.
• Ability to be flexible as other duties may be assigned for this position.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, OT, and different shifts.
• Accountable for machine performance and line output, including OEE performance as established for 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.
• Assist with basic preventative maintenance on equipment and troubleshoot minor breakdowns
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 or more years of previous experience as a machine operator; fillers and/or sealing machinery preferred.
• Ability to communicate in English, by reading, speaking and writing.
• Understanding of production procedures
• Entry level ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment and repair simple breakdowns
• Keen attention to detail to identify maintenance, product or operations issues
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications as they relate to production orders.
• Flexible and available to work weekends, OT as required.

LOCATION

• This position will work out of our Cedar or Alluvial location.

BENEFITS

• Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, ADD, Life, FSA and DCAP Benefit Options
• Generous 401k with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation and PTO
• Wawona Wednesday's, End of Season Appreciation Events, T-shirts and Hats, Employee of the Month
• You'll have the opportunity to work with great people and make a real impact - while being your unique, authentic self at work

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY

• We learn together. We believe in supporting all employees with all the training, resources, and tools to be successful. We invest in our people, we learn together, we take the time to train, and we grow together. We celebrate OUR people and want each employee to have a long career with Wawona Frozen Foods.
• We focus on building and keeping relationships, going above and beyond, and offering world-class service. Empowering each team member to make Wawona Frozen Foods better every day, come up with improvements and suggest suggestions, and help us be innovative. We are proud of our history and want to continue to leave a legacy.
• Wawona Frozen Foods promotes a work environment that encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and a culture of growth. We roll up our sleeves, we get dirty, we exemplify true grit, and we support each other because we truly care about our people.
• We pride ourselves on having a diverse team matching our diverse product base. We have an inclusive culture where different professional and personal perspectives, ideas, and suggestions are respected and welcomed.
• We pride ourselves on the fast-paced environment that our season creates, and we recognize that if it was not for our people working hard that we would not be as successful.
• We strive to deliver the best fruit products available and to be a valued partner in every one of our customer's successes.
• We take the time to build a relationship with our customers and make sure we are producing and delivering the best products specific to your needs.

PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Work in an environment where there can be medium to loud noise and in cold temperatures.
• Stand and walk, feel, reach with hands and arms. Occasionally requested to sit and talk or hear.
• A fast-paced environment that requires high attention to details and minimal down time.
• Occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as buckets of fruit, boxes, pails, etc. Lifting requirement: Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. independently.
• Other duties as assigned requiring repetitive tasks, duties, or assignments such as sorting, packing, stacking, or cutting.
• Work flexible/varying schedules to support the team, customers, and deadlines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and ability to see all colors.
• You will be regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, and vibration. Exposure to cleaning products and agents for the sanitation of equipment and machinery regularly.
• Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adhere to dress code as outlined for working in a food manufacturing facility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants must be fully authorized to work in the U.S. and physically be in the U.S.

Wawona Frozen Foods is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected factor.

NOTICE TO RECRUITERS, EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, AND/OR VENDORS

Please note that Wawona Frozen Foods does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or vendors. Without a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Wawona Frozen Foods will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without Wawona Frozen Foods' authorization, Wawona Frozen Foods is without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Wawona Frozen Foods. Verbal commitments from any Wawona Frozen Food employees will not be considered binding terms. This applies to all Wawona Frozen Foods locations and offices. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiters and vendors to know this policy.