Machine Operator

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Location: Onsite in Mesa AZ

Classification: Non-exempt full time

Reports to: Production Manager

About the Company

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures were born from a simple but radical idea: real food can heal people animals and the planet. When Paleovalley co-founders Autumn and Chas Smith saw how industrialized food was affecting human health and the health of the land they refused to play along. Autumns own journey of healing through nutrient-dense foods lit a fire that became Paleovalley. From there the mission grew roots sprouted wings and eventually expanded into Wild Pastures to bring regeneratively raised meats directly to families nationwide.

Today Paleovalley crafts deeply nourishing snacks and supplements made with organic ingredients and honorable sourcing. Wild Pastures connects small American farmers practicing regenerative agriculture with customers who believe better food is worth fighting for. Every product every partnership and every decision is guided by a commitment to real ingredients regenerative practices and the belief that health is built from the soil up.

Were a team of grounded doers curious thinkers bold builders and warm humans who like to laugh while doing meaningful work. Were growing quickly fueled by purpose and a shared desire to repair the food system one thoughtful choice at a time.

If you feel energized by impact drawn to mission and ready to join a company rewriting the future of food wed love to meet you!

About the Opportunity

The Machine Operator plays a critical role in ensuring our production processes run safely efficiently and in full compliance with food safety standards. By operating and maintaining key processing equipment such as kettles dehydrators and packaging systems this role directly supports the consistent production of high-quality products our customers trust. Through attention to detail sanitation excellence and operational reliability the Machine Operator helps protect product integrity and keep our production goals on track.

What Youll Do

• Operate and monitor food-grade processing and packaging equipment including kettles dehydrators separators mills labelers and date coders to ensure efficient and consistent production.

• Execute machine setups and changeovers accurately and efficiently to support production schedules and minimize downtime.

• Perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation procedures to maintain food safety standards and ensure equipment is audit-ready at all times.

• Maintain proper production flow by monitoring materials removing finished goods and adjusting machine settings as needed.

• Inspect finished products for correct labels seals net weights and date codes to ensure compliance with specification sheets.

• Document batch LOT and production data accurately to maintain full traceability and regulatory compliance.

• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and escalate mechanical concerns promptly to reduce downtime and protect product quality.

• Collaborate with QA Production Leads and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations and adherence to GMP FDA and USDA standards.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and proactively communicate recommendations that enhance efficiency and quality.

• Maintain a clean organized and safe work environment by consistently following PPE requirements and safety protocols.
  

What Youll Need to Succeed

• 1 year of experience in a food beverage supplement or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Experience operating production or processing equipment in a regulated manufacturing setting.

• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) SOPs and food safety regulations (FDA/USDA).

• Ability to perform equipment cleaning and sanitation procedures including adherence to safety protocols.

• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for the duration of a shift in a manufacturing environment.

• Flexibility to work assigned shifts including evenings or overtime as needed.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
  

Bonus Points

• Experience operating kettles dehydrators milling equipment or other food-grade processing systems.

• Familiarity with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and advanced sanitation procedures.

• Experience performing equipment changeovers labeler/date coder adjustments and production line setups.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.

• Experience in CPG nutraceutical or regulated food manufacturing environments with batch/LOT traceability systems.
  

Our Commitment to You

• Medical dental and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid dental/vision and a small monthly medical premium for employees; dependents may be added at employee cost

• Generous Paid time off to support balance and rest

• Paid sick time for when you need it

• Six (6) paid holidays each year

• Paid parental leave for growing families

• 100% company-paid Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with up to a 4% company match after one year of service

• Monthly product stipend or access to perfectly imperfect damaged product so you can enjoy the nutrient-dense foods you help bring to others
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role takes place in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and may involve exposure to varying temperatures noise and airborne particles. Employees must follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The position requires regular standing walking bending reaching and the ability to lift and move items up to 50 pounds. Work may involve operating or working near machinery and other equipment. These physical demands are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compliance & Employment Practices

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are proud to be equal opportunity employers. All employment decisions including hiring promotion discipline and termination are made based on qualifications merit and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion national origin ancestry age sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation disability medical condition pregnancy genetic information marital status veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal state or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process please reach out to to let us know. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. At this time Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas including but not limited to H-1B TN or OPT.