Machine Operator III - Night Shift

Fresh Express•Salinas, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Machine Operator III is responsible for independently operating identified/assigned packaging machines. This role requires regular and reliable attendance, compliance with all company policies including SOPs, GMPs, Housekeeping, and Safety. The operator must inspect machine settings for codes, dates, leaks, oxygen levels, and seals to ensure proper equipment operation. They will complete all required documentation related to production, safety, food safety, and maintenance. This position involves participating in process improvement projects and new product testing, and reporting any equipment malfunctions or unsafe conditions immediately. An Operator III can independently run and support designated packaging machines and support equipment, assist higher-level operators, and execute necessary changeovers for equipment, film, printers, and ancillary processes while meeting production expectations. They must ensure correct date coding and bag labeling, plan for necessary supplies, and maintain a clean work area. The role requires assisting on different lines or baggers as needed, working cooperatively with teammates and process owners to maintain quality standards, and ensuring the production of quality products by meeting specifications. The operator will use various measurement tools to monitor equipment performance and make adjustments as needed. Employees may be assigned temporary tasks such as packing, palletizing, trimming, inserting master packs, housekeeping, rework, and general labor. This role also involves actively supporting team members through cross-training, buddy assignments, and providing coverage during breaks and meal periods. A critical requirement is the ability to pass yearly written and hands-on LOTO (Lock-Out Tag-Out) training and successfully lock out machinery.

Requirements

Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Know basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, simple formulas, and conversions.
Ability to accurately track downtime and performance indicators.
Able to successfully speak, read and write English at the level of work instructions, diagrams and related equipment documentation and support materials.
Must adhere to GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) and PPE's (Personal Protection Equipment).
Must be able to lift 75 pounds (dead lift) continual and box opening for 8 hours a day or more.
Must pass the required strength physical examination.
Must have repetitive hand and eye movement skills.
Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift (8 hours or more), perform repetitive motions throughout the shift such as push/pull/lift, twist, stoop, and bend continuously through the shift.
Be able to climb stairs or step up onto a platform several times throughout the shift.
Must be able to work in a noisy, wet, and cold environment of approximately 30-34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Must be able to work 6 or more consecutive days including overtime, any shift, late nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary.
Must have previous experience operating related food processing equipment or equivalent.
Must pass the written exam before being assigned to Operator III.
High School diploma/GED, some Technical School coursework, or Mechanical/Vocational Certification.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a similar temperature/strenuous work environment preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Prior experience in a packing environment.

Responsibilities

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Compliance to SOP's, GMPs, Housekeeping, Safety, and all other FE policies.
Inspect settings for codes, dates, leaks, oxygen levels, and seals to ensure proper operation of the assigned equipment.
Completes all required safety, Food safety, production, maintenance, etc. documentation as required.
Participate in process improvement projects or new product testing.
Report any equipment malfunction to the PMO, floor coordinator or supervisor immediately.
Report any unsafe condition immediately.
Independently run, and support assigned designated packaging machines and support equipment.
Assist higher level Operators as needed.
Execute necessary changeovers in equipment, film, printers, and related ancillary processes while ensuring production expectations are met.
Assure that all date coding and bag labeling is correct i.e., packages, boxes, etc.
Plan ahead on supplies needed for upcoming products per schedule.
Keep work area and equipment clean and free of garbage/debris at all times.
Assist in different lines or baggers as needed.
Works as directed and as a team.
Supports teammates.
Contributes to goals.
Set up multiple machines for startup and during production.
Assist in all jobs on line to keep machines running at all times.
Works cooperatively with process owners to maintain quality standards.
Assures quality products are being produced by meeting quality specifications for production on assigned line(s).
Uses a variety of means for measurement such as equipment setting confirmation along with probes, tanks, and meters to monitor such things as bag atmospheres, leaker rates, weights, etc.
Makes machine adjustments as needed to achieve and maintain expected equipment performance.
Employees may be assigned to perform other tasks such as packing, palletizing, trimming, inserting master packs, housekeeping, rework, general labor activities, etc. on a temporary basis.
Responsible for actively supporting the other members of the employee's work team including assisting with cross-training, new-hire/buddy assignments, and process support during breaks, meal periods, and other staff coverage as needed.
Able to pass both written and hands-on LOTO (Lock-Out Tag-Out) training on a yearly basis and be able to successfully lock out machinery as needed.