Filler Operator

Filler Operator

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: FILLE
004160

Full-Time
• Hyattsville, MD 20785, USA

Pay Rate: $23.07 per hour (starting rate at 70% of the full rate)

Wage Progression:

• 70% at hire: $23.07/hour
• 85% after 6 months: $28.02/hour
• 100% after 1 year: $32.96/hour

This position follows a union wage progression scale. Employees advance to the full rate after one year of continuous service.

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer‑owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high‑quality Maola dairy products.
• As a union member, you'll have access to comprehensive benefits and a pension plan provided through the union.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

Tends machines that perform one or more packaging functions, such as filling, coding, marking, labeling, and indicating changeovers. Starts machine and observes operation to detect malfunctions. Stops machine and reports malfunction to supervisor. Various machines are involved in this operation such as the Gallon and ½ Gallon Federal and Serac filler.

• Follow all associated procedures.
• Operate more than one machine.
• Tend machine that fills pasteurized products into containers.
• Examine containers from all lines for seals, labels, weights, dates, and valves.
• Seals are to be checked top and bottom for stains and valves are to be checked for excess leakage.
• Review with the lab for approvals of each product change on each machine.
• Observe the flow of milk into the machine and remove defective containers.
• Notify foreman of machine malfunction.
• Place containers on the machine and adjust machines of various sizes.
• Record information in 1‑hour intervals for weight and leak checks.
• Maintain compliance and ensure that all materials are handled under manufacturers' recommendations, and internal food safety requirements, and under regulatory standards that are established by GMP, PMO, OSHA, and FDA.
• Accurately prepare and maintain all area paperwork, documents, and downtime records.
• Ensure all finished products meet quality assurance checks (checking cap label code). Verify the cap label code every 5 minutes.
• Perform product, label, and cap changeovers.
• Utilize tank control system to actuate tanks and valves for product supply.
• Immediately (within five minutes) notify the shift supervisor when your filler is unable to operate. This excludes product changeovers and other routine reasons for downtime.
• Maintain sanitation of equipment including hand cleaning; be responsible for general housekeeping to ensure a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
• Disassemble, clean, rebuild, and assemble equipment to meet rebuild requirements. Perform CIP and sterilizer fillers as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, or a similar environment is a plus.
• Ability to operate and maintain production equipment safely.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow food safety guidelines.
• Exposure to cold storage, wet environments, and dairy ingredients.

• Communication
  • Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels (oral, written, visual, and non‑verbal) ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in‑person or digitally.
• Accountability
  • Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
  • Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.
• Customer Focused
  • Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
  • Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
  • Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
  • Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem‑Solving
  • Possess the ability to identify and…