Utility 1 Operator

Overview

Responsible for operating and supporting production and packaging equipment across assigned manufacturing areas. Supports production processes and equipment while maintaining safety, quality, food safety, and operational standards. Communicates effectively with Shift Leads and Supervisors regarding operational issues and helps maintain a safe, organized, and sanitary work environment while meeting quality, food safety, and production standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and perform changeovers on assigned production and packaging equipment while following established operating procedures.
• Safely start up, operate, monitor, and shut down production equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain established OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), quality, and production standards.
• Complete daily production logs, Redzone entries, and required documentation accurately and timely.
• Monitor equipment performance and troubleshoot operational issues to minimize downtime and support efficient production.
• Communicate operational issues, equipment concerns, and production challenges to Shift Leads, Supervisors, and Plant Leadership.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping activities while maintaining an organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Follow all GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), and company SOP requirements.
• Support and promote a safe work environment for employees and visitors.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve safety, quality, and production goals.
• Provide relief coverage for machine operators during scheduled time off, leaves of absence, and other operational needs.
• Support efforts to meet or exceed production schedules and operational targets.
• Utilize facility maintenance request systems to submit work orders as needed.
• Assist Shift Leads and Supervisors with operational activities and special assignments as directed.
• Develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with employees, visitors, and management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Plant Leadership.

Qualifications

• Ability to speak, read, and write English required; bilingual Spanish preferred.
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Two (2) years of manufacturing, production, or packaging experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills and experience with ERP systems preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and units of measure.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP, food safety, sanitation, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and safe work practices preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain all required equipment-specific training, certifications, and operational qualifications.

This position is classified as Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime). The expected hourly rate for this position is between $23.00 – $28.00 per hour based on a full-time schedule. As a 3rd shift employee, your shift differential pay is $1.00 for all hours worked during your assigned shift. Shift Differential Pay is subject to change.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.