Operator, Days

Van Drunen Farms • Momence, IL

4d • $20 - $21

About The Position

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 3:30 pm, Saturday, 5:00 am - 10:00 am, based on business need. JOB OVERVIEW: The Operator effectively and efficiently oversees one or more machines and performs tasks to prepare food production runs following established safety, quality, and production standards for drying, freezing, dry processing, wet processing, sifting, grinding, boxing, re-boxing and packaging. The processes and tasks include disassembling, assembling, sanitizing, transporting, loading, unloading, and setting-up materials, supplies and equipment as well as assisting in the tending of various machines used throughout the production process. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform work functions, as part of a team or independently, and lead some basic work functions. Support peers and contributes as a positive team member. Lead by example. Communicate professionally. Reports issues with safety, quality, operational procedures, or HR concerns appropriately to the person in charge. Identifies opportunities for improvement. Reminds peers of the correct procedures and reports non-compliance. Display punctuality and dependability through excellent attendance. Prepare ahead for the next shift. Take ownership of meeting production demands. Respond to management instructions, make excellent decisions, and complete tasks on time. Remain actively involved in learning. Liaison with other departments occasionally to make decisions regarding equipment operation that may improve efficiency, quality, or safety. Support the development of peers and new hires, leading by example and explaining procedures and actively participating in training. Start up and operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Move and set up equipment when necessary. Perform minor equipment adjustments as needed during production runs. Follow all General Manufacturing Procedures (GMP's) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) while working. This includes wearing masks, safety glasses, protective equipment, ear plugs, etc. Remind co-workers of these expectations. Actively identify and report issues with product quality or handling. Complete all training required for these procedures. Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) checks in production rooms. Verifications during production processes. Follow all required safety standards and participate actively with training to ensure the safety of self and of co-workers. Know the required Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures. Participate in all LOTO procedures in a work area. Understand LOTO procedures throughout the plant. Immediately stop any improper LOTO procedures. Responsible for completing extensive cleaning and sanitation procedures for production equipment using cleaning chemicals, pressure hoses and other standard cleaning tools. Responsible for completing weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cleaning tasks according to a schedule. Lead safety stretching and participate in team or shift meetings. Able and available to work overtime as required in order to meet production goals. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 6 months of previous production experience required or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Basic writing/reading skills preferred.
• Basic computer skills and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) scanner use may be required in certain plants or work areas.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Count items and report weights accurately.
• This position requires the employee to count, track, and make adjustments to inventory in a work area.
• Standing, walking, using hands and arms to feel and reach.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs and ramps.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Regularly or routinely lifting or handling boxes/bags/equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Routinely bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Regularly pushing or pulling sizeable equipment from a standing position.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Use of personal protective equipment including respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and head protection.
• Must be able to work in a dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, loud, or outdoor work environment depending on the assigned work area".

Nice To Haves

• Previous forklift experience a plus.
• Forklift certification may be required. Education and certification will be provided as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform work functions, as part of a team or independently, and lead some basic work functions.
• Support peers and contributes as a positive team member.
• Lead by example.
• Communicate professionally.
• Reports issues with safety, quality, operational procedures, or HR concerns appropriately to the person in charge.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Reminds peers of the correct procedures and reports non-compliance.
• Display punctuality and dependability through excellent attendance.
• Prepare ahead for the next shift.
• Take ownership of meeting production demands.
• Respond to management instructions, make excellent decisions, and complete tasks on time.
• Remain actively involved in learning.
• Liaison with other departments occasionally to make decisions regarding equipment operation that may improve efficiency, quality, or safety.
• Support the development of peers and new hires, leading by example and explaining procedures and actively participating in training.
• Start up and operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• Move and set up equipment when necessary.
• Perform minor equipment adjustments as needed during production runs.
• Follow all General Manufacturing Procedures (GMP's) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) while working.
• Actively identify and report issues with product quality or handling.
• Complete all training required for these procedures.
• Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) checks in production rooms.
• Verifications during production processes.
• Follow all required safety standards and participate actively with training to ensure the safety of self and of co-workers.
• Know the required Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Participate in all LOTO procedures in a work area.
• Understand LOTO procedures throughout the plant.
• Immediately stop any improper LOTO procedures.
• Responsible for completing extensive cleaning and sanitation procedures for production equipment using cleaning chemicals, pressure hoses and other standard cleaning tools.
• Responsible for completing weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cleaning tasks according to a schedule.
• Lead safety stretching and participate in team or shift meetings.
• Able and available to work overtime as required in order to meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.
• Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees