Operator 1 - 1st Shift

ASR Group•Buffalo, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining packaging and related production equipment to support consistent, high‑quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation. Operator I Essential functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers. Leveling summary: Works from SOPs under direct supervision; performs basic operating tasks and minor adjustments; escalates issues promptly. Operator II Essential Functions (Includes Operator I Essential Functions, Plus) Leveling summary: Operates independently; completes changeovers; performs intermediate troubleshooting; coordinates material flow; supports training and continuous improvement. Operator III Essential Functions (Includes all Operator II Essential Functions, Plus) Leveling summary: Serves as a technical resource; supports multiple lines; leads advanced troubleshooting and root-cause support; trains/mentors others; supports audits and standardization.

Requirements

Ability to follow instructions, safety rules, and standard procedures
Ability to learn new tasks, equipment, and processes through training
Ability to work safely and maintain attention to detail in a production environment
Ability to use basic tools and equipment safely
Ability to observe conditions, recognize when something is not normal, and report issues
Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervision
Ability to maintain accuracy, reliability, and focus during routine and repetitive work
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and production needs
Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required
Manufacturing or food production experience preferred
Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical skills

Responsibilities

Operate assigned packaging machine(s) or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
Feed packaging materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
Accurately complete required production documentation (e.g. quality, and food safety documentation, production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking)
Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency.
Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. RedZone, Beyond Trucks, Access, Sage etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
Basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
Operate forklifts and material‑handling equipment once trained and authorized, as needed
Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
Maintains a positive, professional, and team‑oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
Follow assigned work and break schedules
Perform other duties as assigned in support of production operations
Independently operate assigned packaging or production equipment with minimal to no supervision
Perform startup, shutdown, and changeovers independently according to procedures
Perform intermediate troubleshooting and mechanical/operational adjustments to maintain production efficiency
Monitor OEE drivers (availability, performance, quality) and process stability; take corrective action within scope and escalate when needed
Advanced understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
Safely use advanced hand tools and power or pneumatic tools as required
Assist with sanitation coordination and production transitions
Support training and on-the-job guidance of new or less experienced operators
Verify all required production, quality, and food safety documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time
Communicate and coordinate downtime, quality concerns, material shortages, and equipment issues; escalate recurring issues with recommended actions
Maintain accurate inventory counts for materials used in assigned areas.
Demonstrate flexibility in supporting multiple lines or areas based on production needs
Support and participate in continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, and efficiency
Maintain strong attendance and reliability in support of operational needs
Demonstrate mastery of assigned equipment, processes, and operational standards
Operate, support, and troubleshoot multiple lines or functions to maintain production continuity
Lead advanced troubleshooting; partner with Maintenance during breakdowns and chronic issues to restore operations and prevent recurrence
Serve as a technical resource and trainer for new or less experienced operators
Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring operational, safety, food safety, or quality issues
Provide advanced equipment adjustments to optimize performance within defined limits
Support material flow, staging, and operational readiness across assigned areas
Ensure tools, equipment, materials, and documentation are available and in proper condition
Identify and report systemic safety, quality, or reliability risks
Drive OEE improvement by identifying top losses, helping implement countermeasures, and coaching standard work to reduce downtime and defects
Support standardization efforts (standard work, visual controls, and training reinforcement) to sustain improvements
Participate and lead continuous improvement, efficiency, waste reduction, and standardization efforts
Support audits, inspections, and verification activities related to safety, food safety, and quality
Serve as a flexible operational resource to support staffing gaps or production demands
Maintain high standards of safety, accountability, and operational discipline