Production Operator - Essentia; Night Shift

Overview

This is a NIGHT SHIFT position on a 12-hour shift with hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (36 hours one week, 48 hours the next week). The Production Operator assists various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient production processes according to GMP and to meet customer specifications.

Base pay starting at $21.50 per hour with a $3.00 per hour night shift premium. Benefits start the first of the month following date of hire: 401(k) with employer match, 9 paid holidays, PTO starting at 120 hours per year (prorated based on hire date).

• Work in various areas of production workflow, including dumping, grinding, processing, packaging, and finishing.
• Assist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are maintained to achieve objectives and support ongoing improvements of food safety programs.
• Operate forklifts and/or non-motorized pallet jacks as required.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Perform basic maintenance and clean‑up activities, such as proper storage and care of equipment, regular sweeping and occasional hose-down of production and other areas.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. certification required.
• Stable work history in areas such as agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

• General and specific knowledge of machinery and ability to assist in preparing equipment for operation and/or tear down production operations.
• Accurately and completely abide by company documentation procedures for recording required data and paperwork related to HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and SQF.
• Distinguish food safety violations or product quality issues and resolve immediately or contact appropriate plant management (e.g., Production Supervisor or QC Manager).
• Knowledge and ability to read gauges, record data legibly, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, interpret written and oral instructions, perform basic math calculations, document data, implement safety techniques and sanitize procedures.
• Cooperate with all staff, remain calm and professional, work daily and overtime as necessary, assist in other work‑related areas as required, and operate all necessary plant and office equipment.

Approximate shift length: 8‑12 hours (rotating shifts). Physical demands include frequent light lifting (0‑5 lbs) and occasional heavier lifting (up to 50 lbs); frequent light carrying (0‑5 lbs) and occasional heavier carrying (up to 50 lbs); occasional pushing/pulling of up to 50 lbs and up to 200 ft; working at heights up to 13 ft; and other tasks requiring kneeling, standing, walking, stair climbing, and ladder climbing.