Sr. Operator

Van Drunen Farms•Crown Point, IN

29d•$21 - $24

About The Position

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! Develop Your Expertise at Van Drunen Farms At Van Drunen Farms, we're not just providing ingredients; we're providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we're striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence. We are actively interviewing for positions on all three shifts. Your Role on the Team: Support production areas including drying, freezing, grinding, sifting, boxing, and packaging. Safely start up, operate, and adjust machinery; perform minor equipment fixes as needed. Disassemble, sanitize, transport, and reassemble equipment for production runs. Lead pre-shift meetings and safety stretches; prepare work areas for the next shift. Guide and support new team members; share updates and best practices. Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) checks and ensure compliance throughout production. Follow all GMPs and SOPs to maintain high standards of safety and quality. Complete scheduled cleaning tasks using approved chemicals and pressure hoses. Raise safety, quality, or procedural concerns constructively and promptly. Collaborate across departments to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality. Contribute to a flexible and team-oriented environment by performing other duties as needed to support production goals, safety standards, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

At least one year of production experience or equivalent training
Strong decision-making, communication, and leadership skills.
Basic math, reading, and computer skills; ability to use ERP systems and create reports.
Familiarity with Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and safety protocols.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, climbing, and pushing equipment
Comfortable working in varied environments (dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, or loud).
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and head protection.

Nice To Haves

Forklift experience and certification preferred (training provided if needed).

Responsibilities

Support production areas including drying, freezing, grinding, sifting, boxing, and packaging.
Safely start up, operate, and adjust machinery; perform minor equipment fixes as needed.
Disassemble, sanitize, transport, and reassemble equipment for production runs.
Lead pre-shift meetings and safety stretches; prepare work areas for the next shift.
Guide and support new team members; share updates and best practices.
Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) checks and ensure compliance throughout production.
Follow all GMPs and SOPs to maintain high standards of safety and quality.
Complete scheduled cleaning tasks using approved chemicals and pressure hoses.
Raise safety, quality, or procedural concerns constructively and promptly.
Collaborate across departments to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality.
Contribute to a flexible and team-oriented environment by performing other duties as needed to support production goals, safety standards, and continuous improvement.