Production Operator I

JOB PURPOSE:

Safely perform manual labor duties operating production equipment and learning to operate up to 15 different equipment processes as assigned. Perform quality checks, maintain a clean and organized work area, and ensure quality products are manufactured to meet customer demand. Duties include packing various manufactured products and working in a fast-paced environment across multiple production lines

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Safety

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions to lead or supervisor
• Report injury, and/ or illness immediately to lead or supervisor.
• Inspect, identify and report safety hazards (e.g., exposed electrical cables, air hoses, or liquid spills)
• Inspect and maintain a hazard-free work area: clear aisles, no spills, no misplaced hoses or cables.
• Use and maintain proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection.
• Ensure equipment and controls are functioning properly.
• Do not bypass safety features or safety guards.
• Immediately report any equipment malfunctions.

Operation

• Maintain clean and organized work areas, including equipment cleaning, tool storage, and removal of production waste.
• Ensure all equipment and work areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before starting production to prevent product contamination.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections to verify equipment functionality and identify any maintenance or safety concerns before use.
• Ensure availability of required materials, tools, and supplies to meet production schedules.
• Perform set up of equipment according to your assign job requirements.
• Operate assigned machinery and process equipment to run materials efficiently and meet quality standards.
• Monitor equipment performance during operation; adjust settings or basic troubleshooting issues to maintain optimal output.
• Perform in-process quality checks and document results to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols for each type of equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance or supervisors to address equipment malfunctions or material shortages promptly.
• Assist in equipment changeovers and line setups for different products or processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements and identifying inefficiencies.
• Work collaboratively with team members across shifts to meet production goals and maintain workflow continuity.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Documentation/ Data Entry

• Complete production documentation accurately; data entry to log production data: work orders, machine usage, material inputs, productivity targets.
• Verify that all materials, including formulas and UK rolls, match the specifications on the Work Order traveler and identification tags before use.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of production parameters, such as roll lengths, tension, weights, and formula usage, in accordance with company procedures and quality standards.

Troubleshooting

• Identify and address minor equipment issues such as material jams, misfeeds, or sensor obstructions.
• Reset equipment following standard operating procedures when safe to do so.
• Adjust basic machine settings (e.g., speed, feed rate, alignment) to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Verify that safety guards, sensors, and interlocks are functioning before resuming operation.
• Check and correct product alignment or orientation issues during production runs.
• Notify maintenance or supervision immediately when problems exceed basic troubleshooting scope.
• Document issues, adjustments, and downtime events in production logs.

Quality Assurance – Food Safety / GMP Requirements

• Personal Hygiene – Wash and sanitize hands before starting work, after breaks, and any time contamination could occur.
• PPE Compliance – Wear required hairnets, beard nets, gloves, and other PPE at all times in production areas.
• Glove Changes – Change gloves any time you change tasks, pick anything up from the floor, touch something dirty or non-food contact, or when gloves become torn, soiled, or contaminated.
• No Jewelry or Loose Items – Remove all jewelry, watches, and loose personal items before entering production areas.
• Clean Equipment & Work Areas – Ensure all tanks, mixers, pumps, and tools are cleaned and sanitized before use.
• Ingredient Verification – Confirm all ingredients, formulas, and packaging materials match the Work Order and are within expiration date.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination – Store raw materials, in-process, and finished products separately and follow allergen control procedures.
• Proper Storage – Keep all raw materials, semi-finished, and finished goods covered and stored at required temperatures.
• Sanitation During Production – Wipe up spills immediately, keep floors and work surfaces clean, and dispose of waste properly.
• No Eating, Drinking, or Gum – Follow GMP rules by only consuming food or drink in designated break areas.
• Batch Documentation – Record lot numbers, weights, temperatures, pH levels, and other critical control points (CCPs) accurately and on time.
• Monitor Equipment Settings – Check mixing speeds, heating/cooling temperatures, and hold times to match product specifications.
• Inspect Product Quality – Watch for contamination risks such as foreign objects, off-color, off-odor, or separation.
• Report Issues Immediately – Inform the lead or supervisor of any quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, or deviations from the recipe or process.
• Follow All SOPs – Adhere to written procedures for cleaning, mixing, processing, and packaging.
• Participate in Training – Stay current with food safety, GMP, and HACCP training requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Must be able to work in an environment with loud noises, heat, cold and strong odors.
2. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; 8-12 hours.
3. Must be able to safely lift and/ or move between 25 - 50 pounds.
4. Must be able to safely team lift between 50-75 lbs. with a team member.
5. Frequent use of hands to fingers; must be able to handle, grasp or touch objects or tools.
6. Ability to perform repetitive manual material handling without restriction, requiring (but not limited to) the following physical abilities:
7. Kneeling
8. Crouching
9. Standing
10. Walking
11. Squatting
12. Pushing
13. Pulling
14. Twisting
15. Bending
16. Reaching
17. Climbing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. One (1) year of related manufacturing experience
2. High school diploma, desirable.
3. Must be able to read and write either in English or Spanish.
4. Must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend written instructions and numbering.
5. Must be able to calculate basic arithmetic, (i.e., add, subtract, multiply and divide).
6. Knowledgeable in the metric system; length, mass, and volume.
7. Knowledge in machinery skills: Ability to operate automated machines and equipment with speed and accuracy.
8. Computer competency: Must enter data into company’s system.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactory.

Job descriptions typically change over time as requirements and employee skill levels change. Supervisors may revise and/or add duties to reflect these changes. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the Company. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.