Operator- 1st Shift 5AM to 2PM Monday - Friday

Butterball Farms • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms At Butterball® Farms , we’re more than a world-class food manufacturer — we’re a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives . For over 60 years, we’ve proudly partnered with the world’s premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry. Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies , we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace. When you join Butterball® Farms, you’re joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to read and understand standard work instructions
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods of time
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced production line
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to adhere to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards
• Continuous (67–100% of the time): Seeing, Standing (up to 8+ hours per shift), Reaching, Lifting (up to 50 lbs), Repetitive hand motions, Eye-hand coordination, Working at a consistent pace for extended periods, Reading and understanding work instructions
• Frequent (33–66% of the time): Walking, Talking, Hearing, Grasping, Bending at the waist, Twisting upper body, Climbing stairs, Problem-solving and interpreting instructions, Using general math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Occasional (Up to 33% of the time): Stooping, Crouching, Pushing, Kneeling, Additional reaching, Driving (if applicable)
• Physical Effort: Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs (sedentary), Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs (medium), Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs (light), Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs (heavy) or more (very heavy)

Nice To Haves

• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus!
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and resolve machine issues in accordance with production specifications.
• Use appropriate tools to perform and complete preventative maintenance tasks.
• Communicate effectively with the Maintenance team when additional support is needed.
• Learn and perform all line-related positions within the designated area of responsibility.
• Monitor product consistency, ensuring weights remain within specified ranges.
• Adjust and monitor tunnel controls to maintain required operating parameters.
• Maintain accurate logs and track inventory used throughout the production process.
• Safely lift and load blocks of butter into the machine to maintain a continuous feed to the production line.
• Collaborate as part of a team to achieve the designated production rate.
• Visually inspect products to ensure quality standards are met; identify and report any quality concerns.
• Conduct equipment changeovers efficiently as part of a team.
• Operate software systems to record downtime and track raw material usage.
• Use scan guns appropriately to track inventory or product movement.
• Ensure the production line is continuously stocked with the necessary materials.
• Perform regular quality checks, including metal detector inspections, as required.
• Follow all safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production and quality goals.

Benefits

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture
• Shift Premiums
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Access to The Source
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

What This Job Offers

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