What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machine Operator position at Grower Direct Nut Company, Inc.?
We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive Machine Operator to support our operations team. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with strong problemsolving skills, a commitment to food safety and quality, and a drive for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will take initiative, ensure operational efficiency, and work collaboratively with the production team to optimize processes.
Requirements:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Operations:
- Set up, operate, and monitor processing equipment (e.g., roasting, grinding, slicing, blending, packaging machines).
- Perform routine quality checks to ensure products meet Goodness Ingredients’ standards.
- Adjust machine settings and troubleshoot minor issues to maintain product consistency and minimize downtime.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, waste reduction, and quality enhancement, implement improvements as needed.
- Perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability.
- Follow all food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and company policies to maintain product integrity.
- Maintain accurate production logs, record adjustments, and communicate findings to management for process optimization.
- Participate in regular training on safety, equipment, and operational procedures.
- Liaise with other departments to ensure seamless communication and coordination.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Previous experience in roasting/nut butter operations, food processing, or a related manufacturing role.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency in production.
- Knowledge of roasting/nut butter equipment, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
- Ability to lead a team, train new employees, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Understanding of food safety regulations and quality control principles.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to conduct routine equipment maintenance.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
- Other duties as assigned
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities are not limited to the above-mentioned and may include assisting other departments within reasonable and related tasks.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands
- Will frequently stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle and feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, taste and smell.
- Will occasionally sit and occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl.
- Must use both hands for rapid mental muscular coordination, simultaneously.
- Must be able to reach high and low levels, frequently.
- Must be able to push/pull/lift with arms below waist/at shoulder/above shoulder level up to 50 pounds frequently.
- Must lift with arms up to floor to waist, waist to shoulder 50 pounds.
- Must be able to constantly stand/stoop/walk/bend, up to 12 hrs.
- Ability to strenuous flex/grip with wrist/hands frequently (15 flexion/minute).
- Use of keyboard and mouse for extended period. Work environment o May work near moving mechanical parts. o May work around wet or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather condition
Work environment
o May work near moving mechanical parts.
o May work around wet or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold (nonweather), extreme heat (non-wea