Food Machine Operator

Job Title

This position is responsible for maintaining, controlling, and operating vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines and equipment that are used in the manufacturing process.

Position available on 1st, 2nd, and Weekend Shift.

• 1st Shift
  - Days, Monday through Thursday Shift, 6:00am - 4:30pm

• 2nd Shift
  - Nights, Monday through Thursday Shift, 4:30pm - 3:00am

• Weekend Shift
  - Days, Friday through Sunday Shift, 5:00am - 5:30pm

The following duties are normal for this position. The incumbent may perform some or all of these duties; however, it is not an exclusive or all-inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform startup checks at the beginning of each shift.

• Perform machine setup before each shift and perform testing procedures to ensure that machines work optimally during production, logging results electronically by hour against set efficiency targets.

• Ensure that all partial pallets, bags, containers, are available and accessible.

• Perform front line preventative maintenance.

• Monitor and perform routine adjustments and calibrations on each Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machine.

• Monitor all product to be packaged to ensure best quality standards are being met against provided work instructions.

• Maintain proficiency in operations in three key areas: equipment maintenance, safety and environmental awareness, and effective operations.

• Set up (assemble & disassemble), change over, operate, monitor, and adjust equipment on vertical form and fill and seal packaging equipment to meet all finished pouch quality specification and production requirements.

• Disassemble, clean, and sanitize packaging & support equipment using designated cleaning chemicals following documented safety and cleaning procedures for product changeovers.

• Adheres to all GMP, including sanitary requirements, Food Safety, Safety, and Standardized Work procedures so there is no cross contamination of product.

• Ensure equipment lockout procedure is used prior to doing any cleaning or adjustment/repair which requires safety guards to be removed, or which may expose employees to injury through inadvertent movement of machine parts.

• Troubleshoot and/or identify equipment failures or problems. Perform minor troubleshooting, part replacement, and maintenance of packaging and related equipment. Report any need for equipment repair or maintenance.

• Ability to learn SAP and navigate the system.

• Ensure that all material and packaging are correct and meet all the customer and Company specifications against provided work instructions.

• Ensure adequate housekeeping in the work area throughout the day to include maintaining and cleaning machine(s) before and after each shift.

• High School Diploma desired

• Mechanical and troubleshooting ability

• At least 3 years in manufacturing position

• At least 3 years in a machine operator position

• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions

• Ability to troubleshoot problems on VFFS Baggers

• Ability to run and manage two baggers simultaneously

• Understanding of food standards and allergens, in relations to machine operations

• Ability to produce at a high level

• Ability to be proactive vs. reactive

• Ability to work with plant management for required results

• Ability to be able to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to perform all computer functions as they pertain to the job

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to plan ahead and follow schedules

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily in a fast-paced environment

• Must be able to stand throughout entire shift to attend to issues with machinery.

• Walking throughout the Packaging area

• Stand for long periods of time during production run.

• Bend throughout the work shift if loading blocks on pallet.

• Lift up to 25 pounds and move item short distances.

• Reach below shoulder level to lift blocks off…