Machine Operator Lead

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Machine Operator operates, monitors, and maintains assigned production equipment at Farmer Focus’s Acorn packing plant while providing day-to-day guidance to machine operators. This hands-on role supports safe, efficient, high-quality production by reinforcing quality, productivity, and equipment standards and ensuring work follows safety programs, food safety requirements, and company procedures. The position serves as a point of contact for equipment and workflow concerns, helps coordinate assigned tasks, supports operator training, and communicates production and mechanical issues to production management and the Maintenance Superintendent. The lead helps operators resolve routine issues and escalates concerns requiring additional support. Work is conducted primarily in the manufacturing and poultry-packing environment at the Acorn Plant, with regular access to production areas and assigned equipment. The team member must tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions. Hearing and eye protection, hair and beard nets, and other task- or location-specific protective equipment may be required. The role may involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, using tools, working near machinery, and completing tasks in a fast-paced production environment. The schedule includes assigned days and shifts, including weekends. The position is full-time, onsite, and pays $23.50 per hour.

Requirements

General mathematical ability.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to read and write well enough to safely use lockout/tagout and confined-space-entry programs.
Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings.
Basic knowledge of standard and metric measurements.
Ability to identify mechanical issues, communicate clear instructions to operators, and escalate equipment and production concerns to management.
Ability to organize assigned work, help coordinate operator tasks, and complete responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work assigned days and shifts, including weekends.
Ability to follow safety procedures, production standards, and company policies.
Ability to demonstrate equipment operating procedures, coach team members, and reinforce safe work practices.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must pass post-offer drug, alcohol, and background screening before employment begins.
Must provide employment eligibility verification by the end of the third day of work, as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating machinery or production equipment in manufacturing, food processing, poultry processing, packing, or production, including equipment setup and routine troubleshooting.
Previous experience as a lead operator, team lead, or operator trainer, including coordinating work and supporting shift handoffs.
Experience performing basic preventive maintenance.
Basic mechanical aptitude or experience identifying equipment issues.
Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space-entry procedures, or production safety programs.
Willingness to work within the framework of Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and maintain assigned machinery and equipment in the Acorn packing plant.
Lead by example in maintaining quality, productivity, and equipment standards, and help operators follow established expectations.
Follow and reinforce safety programs, food safety requirements, procedures, and company policies; promptly report unsafe conditions or practices.
Maintain and test mechanical equipment, machinery, and components.
Identify parts, equipment, or machines needing new or replacement parts.
Respond to production-area requests when mechanical or equipment issues are identified.
Communicate equipment issues between machine operators, production management, and maintenance; assist with troubleshooting and escalate concerns.
Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment as required.
Help coordinate daily operator assignments and priorities with production management and the Maintenance Superintendent; complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently.
Read and follow lockout/tagout and confined-space-entry procedures as required.
Read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings related to the role.
Monitor equipment performance and production flow, communicate downtime and recurring issues, and support timely resolution and shift handoffs.
Train and coach machine operators on equipment operation, routine checks, safe work practices, and established procedures.
Provide hands-on support during equipment setup, production changes, and routine troubleshooting within training and authorization limits; refer issues requiring additional expertise to maintenance.
Perform other duties as assigned.