Line Operator Job Kent area,Washington USA,Manufacturing / Production

Line Operator Job Description (Day & Night)

This position reports to:
Production Supervisor (Straws)

Alternate:
Packaging Lead

POSITION SCOPE

The Line Operator operates automated equipment to package finished straws for distribution. This position is responsible for collecting finished products from the production line, bundling and packaging straws into shipping bags, maintaining machine operation through material changes, and performing light equipment replenishment. The Line Operator monitors equipment performance, performs bobbin changes, and ensures continuous production flow. This role supports both day and night shift operations and is essential to meeting production output targets and maintaining product quality standards.

ESSENTIAL

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Primary Production Duties

Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to review machine and production safety, new customers, customer requirements, and shift/production changes

Collect finished, wrapped straws from the conveyor belt as they exit the automated wrapping machine

Bundle straws into bags according to company and customer specifications

Seal bags with heat sealer or tape to ensure product integrity during shipping

Apply lot code stickers to bags for traceability

Place completed bags in bins located at production line

Maintain production pace to meet output targets

Communicate any production issues or concerns to Supervisor or Line Support

Perform other duties as needed or assigned

Machine Operation and Maintenance

Monitor the automated wrapper machine to ensure proper operation and product quality

Replace bobbin and wrapper material approximately every 45 minutes (13-15 times per shift)

Thread paper material through the machine during bobbin changes

Fill the straw hopper as needed to maintain continuous production

Monitor hopper levels and avoid overfilling to prevent belt breakage

Monitor machine performance to identify potential issues; switch on light at machine to alert for assistance

Perform light cleaning of machinery and work area before and after shift

Report equipment malfunctions or issues to Supervisor or Maintenance

Follow proper machine startup and shutdown procedures

Quality and Safety

Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are met

Identify and set aside defective or non-conforming product; notify Supervisor

Verify lot codes are correct on stickers before application

Maintain a clean and organized workstation per GMP requirements

Follow all company safety protocols and food safety requirements

Wear required PPE including hair net, gloves, beard net, and hearing protection

Report food safety concerns, foreign material findings, or potential contamination immediately

Report safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to Supervisor immediately

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires MEDIUM-level physical activity including:

Frequency of Physical Activities

Frequent:
Standing at workstation, handling/grasping objects, fine manipulation (bundling, sealing, stickering), reaching, repetitive hand and arm movements

Occasional:
Walking, bending at waist and neck, squatting, trunk rotation, use of step stool/ladder

Lifting and Carrying

Frequent lifting of 2-5 lbs (completed bags of straws, 3.7-4.6 lbs)

Occasional lifting of 6-10 lbs (straw wrapping material bobbin, 10 lbs, lifted 13-15 times per shift)

Carrying items up to 10 feet within work area

Other Physical Demands

Vision adequate to monitor machinery, inspect product quality, and read lot codes

Hearing adequate to communicate with co-workers and detect equipment issues

Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout shift

Ability to work standing on concrete surfaces for entire shift (anti-fatigue mats provided in some areas)

Ability to work in production environment with moderate noise levels and varying temperatures

SKILLS REQUIRED

Attention to detail for product quality inspection and lot code verification

Basic mechanical aptitude for bobbin changes and machine monitoring

Manual dexterity for bundling, sealing, and stickering operations

Ability to maintain production pace and meet output targets

Understanding of basic equipment operation and troubleshooting

Knowledge of food safety and GMP requirements

Ability to work as part of a production team

Physical stamina for repetitive tasks throughout shift

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Receptive to direction and constructive feedback

Ability to work day or night shifts as scheduled

TOOLS REQUIRED

Automated wrapper machine

Heat sealer

Sticker tape gun

Hand counter at machine

Wrapper material bobbins

Google Workspace (Forms, Sheets) for basic documentation

PPE (hair net, gloves, beard net, hearing protection)

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