Production Operator I - Packaging 1st Shift

Production Operator

This position is 1st Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Location: Decatur, AR – Manufacturing Plant

About the Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company is on a mission to help the next generation of pet parents fulfill a shared life of wellbeing with their pets through a foundation of proven nutrition. We are committed to crafting high-quality pet food, dental chews, treats, and topper recipes that are made with the perfect balance of high-quality natural ingredients paired with the latest scientific research and technologies. As a community of people working together, Wellies are positively obsessed with how to deliver proven health outcomes that pet parents can see and pets can taste. Wellies bring their best to work every day, come ready to collaborate, embrace the hard things, and own their outcomes.

Who We're Looking For

Team Wellie is a group of people who are truly obsessed with all the best ways about winning for the consumer and the pets they love. And so, we are seeking an individual who:

• Always starts with the consumer
• Is dedicated to doing it right the first time
• Brings their best every day
• Has an "all-in" mindset
• Embraces the hard things and does them right away
• Owns their outcomes
• Gives back to their community
• Has the ability to lift 35 – 50 pounds
• Has previous experience working with packaging systems and conveying equipment
• Previously worked in production environment, preferably food or beverage manufacturing

What You'll Accomplish

The Production Operator position is involved in all aspects of the production of our premium pet food. They are responsible for setting-up, operating, and disassembling processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). They will operate multiple types of processing equipment, including but not limited to extrusion, injection molding, dryers, cutting, and packaging machinery according to scheduled production needs. In addition, operators maintain their assigned production area, following safety procedures and cleanliness standards. The operator will also troubleshoot equipment issues and complete required food safety checks to ensure first-time right production.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Sets-up, operates and disassembles processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) according to production schedule.
• Troubleshoots equipment as needed.
• Monitors product, completing various checks to ensure product is running according to job specifications.
• Reviews and follows production schedule throughout shift.
• Adjusts equipment during product changeovers.
• Checks and documents product according to SOPs to ensure the highest quality standards.
• Cleans work area according to sanitation SOPs. Maintains cleanliness throughout work shift.
• Monitors equipment and uses various tools to make adjustments, small repairs and perform basic maintenance as required.
• Completes re-work as necessary.
• Maintains records and logs within designated production system during entire production process
• Performs and documents in-process quality checks on a periodic basis on representative samples to ensure that product is correctly produced/packaged.
• Cleans, disassembles and reassembles line equipment to prepare machines for inspection and/or deep cleaning.
• Changeover/sets up machine for run by loading product, components, printer material, etc.; adjusting settings; checking the line; and obtaining line clearance to prepare equipment for next run.
• Actively follows safety procedures and policies in all job tasks.
• Follows and holds others accountable for following all company GMPs.
• All other duties as assigned.

Workplace Safety

• Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory safety training and adheres to all safety policies/procedures.
• Reports all safety issues, near misses, and injuries.

Quality & Food Safety

• Completes quality & food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements.
• Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined.
• Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies.
• Reports food safety and quality system failures and takes actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Career Growth Opportunities

At Wellness Pet, we want our Wellies to progress in their careers, gaining knowledge and skills that prepare them for the next level. There are four levels of Production Operators, so as you gain skills you can advance to earn higher pay and take on more responsibility.

Production Operator I:

• Entry-level position requiring limited or no prior experience.
• Responsible for performing basic production tasks under direct supervision.
• Follows standard operating procedures and instructions closely.
• Operates simple machinery or equipment and performs routine assembly tasks.
• Assists with material handling, cleaning work areas, and basic quality control checks.
• Focuses on learning and acquiring the necessary skills for production operations.

Production Operator II:

• Mid-level position requiring some experience and demonstrated proficiency.
• Performs more complex production tasks and operates intermediate-level machinery or equipment.
• Follows established procedures but may have some autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Conducts setup, calibration, and minor troubleshooting of equipment.
• Assists in training and providing guidance to less experienced operators.
• Contributes to process improvement initiatives and may participate in problem-solving activities.

Production Operator III:

• Senior-level position requiring extensive experience and advanced technical skills.
• Responsible for performing complex production tasks and operating advanced machinery or equipment.
• Exhibits a high level of independence and may have authority over process adjustments and decisions.
• Conducts detailed setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitors production performance, quality control, and process optimization.
• May assist in training, mentoring, or supervising junior operators.

Production Operator Lead:

• Leadership position overseeing a team of production process.
• Manages and coordinates the activities of the production team.
• Provides guidance, training, and support to operators.
• Monitors production schedules, assigns tasks, and ensures targets are met.
• Acts as a liaison between management and the production team.
• Collaborates with other departments to resolve issues and drive process improvements.
• May be responsible for training programs and enforcing safety protocols.
• Possesses strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Why Work for Wellness Pet

We care about the wellbeing of our people, their families, and their pets. We treat every Wellie to a comprehensive benefits package full of extras to support their health, pets, passions, and professional Development. More information about our benefits can be found on our website.

The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status.