Machine Operator - Lawrence, KS (PARENT)

The Hershey Company • Lawrence, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, overseeing, and maintaining packaging machines to ensure the quality and proper packaging of finished products. The role also includes housekeeping, assisting other operators and supervisors in running the department efficiently, completing sanitation duties, troubleshooting, training, and performing basic maintenance tasks.

The position is based in Lawrence, Kansas, and operates on rotating 12-hour shifts, with employees scheduled to work three to four days each week and every other weekend off. Starting pay is $23.25 per hour, with a $2 per hour differential for overnight shifts and the opportunity for a pay increase of up to $1 per hour after six months of good-standing employment. The company describes its workplace as relationship-focused and family-oriented, and emphasizes high quality standards and leading by example.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, and convert between metric and SAE measurements, including millimeters to inches and grams to ounces.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables where limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram-based, or scheduled instructions.
• Clear understanding of how to safely operate packaging machinery.
• Computer and software knowledge, including the ability to perform data entry and use a tablet.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 35 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Candidates must complete and pass an online pre-hire assessment; qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone screen. A background check and drug screen are conducted after an offer.

Responsibilities

• Ensure bags are running at the correct weights.
• Ensure bags are in registration, both at the cutoff and side-to-side.
• Ensure bags are properly code-dated, with legible price and date in the correct position on the bag.
• Ensure bags are properly sealed at both the back seal and end seal.
• Ensure bag appearance is acceptable.
• Add or remove air from bags and ensure proper air fill.
• Change knife blades.
• Adjust bag speed on packaging machines and weighers, and ensure running rates meet the lead label.
• Keep machines and the area under and around them clean, and help sweep the packing area.
• Weigh defective film, record the defect, and place the film in the designated defective area.
• Keep in-feeds, dispersion tables, scales, and related equipment free from buildup.
• Perform required hourly metal detector checks.
• Immediately report metal detector findings, false activations, or other concerns to management and assist with investigations.
• Complete required checks and use a tablet for data entry and recordkeeping, including film verifications and sanitation and 5S paperwork.
• Complete all required training.
• Communicate with team members, including bakers, leads, packers, PMOs, QC, PC, maintenance, and supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision, starting on Day 1.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off.
• $2 per hour shift differential for overnight shifts.
• Opportunity for a pay increase of up to $1 per hour after six months of good-standing employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED