Machine Operator

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.

Reporting to the Production Manager, 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. Machine Operators also perform scheduled quality control checks and testing, complete production calculations (such as weights, rates, yields, and scrap percentages), and accurately document production and quality data to maintain consistent product quality.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The functions below are considered essential to this position. This list is illustrative of the principal duties of the role and is not an exhaustive description of every task that may be required. Other duties may be assigned consistent with business needs.

• Accountable for machine performance and line output, including OEE performance as established for the 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.
• Inspect, operate, and maintain primary and secondary automated production and packaging equipment (e.g., fillers, sealers, scales and weighers, metal detectors, and case packers) to ensure optimal performance.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance, recognize and troubleshoot common equipment issues using established solutions, and make minor mechanical adjustments and repairs.
• Collaborate with the team to perform product, packaging, and equipment changeovers safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Promptly inform the lead, supervisor, and maintenance of machine performance irregularities to minimize the impact of production downtime.
• Minimize production scrap, including packaging materials, product loss, and overfill (giveaway).
• 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.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in accordance with sanitation and GMP standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• May train new operators on proper operating, quality check, and documentation procedures.

• Perform in-process quality control checks at required frequencies, including net weight/fill checks, seal integrity, code date and lot code verification, label and packaging accuracy, and metal detector verification.
• Calibrate and verify quality testing equipment (e.g., scales, checkweighers, thermometers) at start-up and as scheduled; perform all tests according to established specifications and procedures.
• Perform visual inspections of product and finished packages to identify defects such as foreign material, discoloration, damaged or poorly sealed packages, and incorrect labeling; recommend corrective actions.
• Place nonconforming product on hold per company procedures and notify Quality Assurance and the supervisor.
• Monitor and document quality measures using analytical tools such as check sheets, control charts, and trend logs; participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations, including root cause analysis.

• Accurately record operational, production, quality, and downtime data on production…