Production Machine Operator - Blue Buffalo
About The Position
The Production Machine Operator supports production packaging and processing operations at General Mills’ Blue Buffalo pet food manufacturing site in Joplin. The role includes sanitation, equipment startup and shutdown, changeovers, monitoring batch formulas and procedures, handling ingredients, calibrating processing and packaging systems, food safety checks, and safely moving materials with a forklift. Operators troubleshoot machinery with maintenance staff, contribute to continuous improvement, and help train new employees. The position is currently hiring for night shift and follows a repeating 12-hour schedule of three nights on, two nights off, two nights on, and three nights off. Employees must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
- At least 2 years of experience in machine operation and/or a mechanical or technical skillset.
- Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and/or Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV/POV) certification.
- Ability to understand and effectively communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and others about work matters; business is generally conducted in English.
- Basic computer skills and ability to use digital tools and systems for daily work tasks.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods.
- Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions.
- Ability to climb and/or work at heights using stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms.
- Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards.
- Ability to wear required protective clothing and equipment, including safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks when required.
- Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Responsibilities
- Support production packaging and processing operations and perform sanitation.
- Participate in startup, setup, changeover, and shutdown of operating equipment.
- Troubleshoot machinery problems and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues.
- Monitor and ensure proper batch formulas and batch procedures.
- Handle and maintain inventory of wet ingredients, dry ingredients, and/or raw frozen meat.
- Calibrate and monitor processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specifications.
- Perform food safety checks and CCP monitoring activities as specified by HACCP.
- Safely operate a forklift to move materials efficiently.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to increase platform performance.
- Assist in training new employees.
Benefits
- Starting pay of $21.89 per hour, with internal pay advancement up to $26.15 per hour.
- $1.00 per hour additional shift differential for hours worked between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Up to 120 hours (10 days) of vacation annually.
- 11 paid company holidays.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Medical, dental, and life insurance.
- Career growth and cross-training opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
