Operator 2 (Culp)

Job Title: Operator 2

Job Schedule: Day Shift

Location: Mars Petcare (Nutro) - Kansas City, MO

Mars Petcare is looking for an Operator 2 to join our Nutro business at our manufacturing facility in Kansas City, MO. We focus on delivering high-quality, nutritious products for dogs and cats through operational excellence, safety, and attention to detail.

As part of our total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, plus Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Immediate eligibility (based on hire date) for up to 3 weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, and Maternity/Parental Leave
• Annual bonus earning potential and additional company benefits

The Operator 2 serves as a system expert in their assigned production area while demonstrating high functional capability across multiple packaging and conversion work centers. This role is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment, executing equipment changeovers, maintaining strict product quality and food safety standards, performing basic preventive maintenance (Clean-Inspect-Lubricate routines), and driving continuous improvement on the line.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate high-speed manufacturing, packaging, and conversion equipment to package finished pet food products safely and efficiently prior to distribution.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting, clear mechanical jams, reset machine faults, and conduct structured equipment changeovers.
• Complete autonomous maintenance and basic preventive maintenance routines, including Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL) checklists.
• Maintain strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) policies.
• Monitor, verify, and log product quality attributes and process parameters using computer systems and digital logs.
• Maintain strict compliance with safety regulations and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; proactively report and resolve safety hazards.
• Conduct routine sanitation and 5S activities to maintain a clean, standardized, audit-ready work area.
• Manage in-process inventory and raw material staging for assigned production lines.
• Provide peer coaching and informal leadership to team members and temporary associates on operating standards and safety protocols.
• Perform other production duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, analytical troubleshooting, and basic computer skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Proven track record of reliability, punctuality, and safety-first mindset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• (Military experience performing equipment operations, PMCS, technical checklists, or maintenance tracking is fully recognized as qualifying background.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 years of experience in pet food, food manufacturing, high-speed packaging, or industrial manufacturing.
• Prior military technical training in mechanical systems, preventative maintenance (PMCS/3-M), or logistics management.
• Familiarity with Food Safety standards (GMP, HACCP, FDA/USDA regulations) or industrial safety standards (OSHA, Lockout/Tagout).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 40 lbs.
• Mobility and physical stamina to bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull equipment components.
• Ability to stand and walk on the plant floor for the duration of the shift (minimum 8-12 hours depending on schedule).
• Sufficient hearing and sight to safely navigate a high-speed manufacturing environment.

MILITARY & VETERAN CANDIDATE SUMMARY

Mars values the discipline, safety consciousness, operational readiness, and technical execution that military service instills. If you have experience operating complex machinery, conducting preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS), adhering to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), tracking inventory, or leading teams in dynamic environments, your background translates directly to our Operator 2 role.

Target Military Occupational Specialties (MOS / AFSC / Ratings):

U.S. Army:

• 91 Series (Mechanical Maintenance): 91B (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic), 91C (Utilities Equipment Repairer), 91D (Tactical Power Generation Specialist), 91L (Construction Equipment Repairer).
• 92 Series (Supply & Logistics): 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist), 92F (Petroleum Supply Specialist), 92W (Water Treatment Specialist), 92G (Culinary Specialist / Food Safety Compliance).
• 12 Series (Engineer): 12N (Horizontal Construction Operator), 12V (Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator).
• 88 Series (Transportation): 88M (Motor Transport Operator), 88N (Transportation Management).

U.S. Navy:

• Engineering & Hull Ratings: MM (Machinist's Mate), EN (Engineman), GSM/GSE (Gas Turbine System Technicians), HT (Hull Maintenance Technician), MR (Machinery Repairman).
• Aviation Support: AD (Aviation Machinist's Mate), AM (Aviation Structural Mechanic), AS (Aviation Support Equipment Technician).
• Logistics & Quality: CS (Culinary Specialist / Food Inspection & Sanitation), LS (Logistics Specialist).

U.S. Air Force:

• 2A / 2F / 2M Series (Maintenance & Fuels): 2A6X1 (Aerospace Propulsion), 2F0X1 (Fuels/Distribution), 2T3X1 (Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance).
• 3E Series (Civil Engineering): 3E2X1 (Pavements and Construction Equipment), 3E4X1 (Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance).
• 2S / 2T Series (Logistics & Material Management): 2S0X1 (Materiel Management), 2T1X1 (Ground Transportation).

U.S. Marine Corps:

• 13 Series (Engineer Equipment): 1341 (Engineer Equipment Mechanic), 1345 (Engineer Equipment Operator).
• 35 Series (Motor Transport): 3521 (Automotive Maintenance Technician), 3531 (Motor Transport Operator).
• 04 / 30 Series (Logistics & Supply): 0411 (Maintenance Management Specialist), 3043 (Supply Chain and Materiel Specialist).
• 11 Series (Utilities): 1141 (Electrician), 1161 (Refrigeration and AC Technician).

U.S. Coast Guard:

• MK (Machinery Technician), DC (Damage Controlman), EM (Electrician's Mate), SK (Storekeeper).

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MARS

• Opportunity to work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates guided by The Five Principles.
• A purpose-driven environment focused on building a better world for pets.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and annual bonus potential.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets they love. With almost $35 billion in sales, Mars produces globally recognized brands including PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, NUTRO, WHISKAS, M&M'S, SNICKERS, DOVE, and BANFIELD Pet Hospitals. Guided by The Five Principles-Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom-Mars creates value and growth to be proud of every day.