Automation Operator - Day Shift Seed Packing

Position: Automation Operator I - Day Shift Seed Packing
Position Summary

Johnny's Selected Seeds has an immediate opening for a full-time, year-round Automation Operator I – Seed Packing at our Winslow, Maine facility. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 5:50 am to 2:20 pm, with overtime as needed. Starting pay is $21.63/hour. We are seeking a detail-oriented, mechanically inclined individual to support our automated seed packaging operations. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, cleaning, and optimizing automation equipment to ensure accurate and efficient order fulfillment.

The Automation Operator works closely with Seed Packing, Replenishment, Maintenance, Quality, and IT teams to maintain production standards, minimize downtime, and support continuous improvement efforts. This role is cross-functional and includes activities typically associated with other departments, such as equipment maintenance, systems troubleshooting, gathering of seed, and finished goods put‑away. As automated workload changes, this individual will perform the standard duties of a Seed Packing OA II, including, but not limited to, hand packing of seed.

Success in this role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety, quality, and productivity in a fast‑paced environment.

Automation Operator I – Seed Packing

Day Shift

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and promote JSS safety practices.
• Work to share our company mission and values.
• Provide a positive attitude to the work environment.
• Monitor workflow in the department to ensure efficient and accurate inventories in our products.
• Must be able to communicate well with all departments.
• Operate automated seed packing equipment and related production systems in accordance with established safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments as needed to ensure packaging accuracy, product quality, and efficient throughput.
• Perform machine setup, changeovers, calibrations, and basic troubleshooting to support varying product and packaging requirements.
• Accurately document production activities, machine settings, downtime events, and other operational records.
• Conduct routine quality checks to verify seed counts, package weights, labeling accuracy, and overall package quality.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve mechanical, electrical, or operational concerns.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities, cleaning, inspections, and equipment upkeep.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols.
• Monitor packaging material inventories and notify appropriate personnel of replenishment needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving equipment performance.
• Train and assist team members on the safe and effective operation of seed packing automation equipment as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with team members and other departments to ensure production schedules and customer service goals are achieved.
• Follow all processes and procedures applicable to Seed Packing OA II during downtime
• Perform other duties and operational tasks as assigned to support changing business needs.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer, math, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, operate, and troubleshoot automated seed packing equipment and associated production systems.
• Previous manufacturing, production, packaging, automation, or machine operation experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn…