Machine Operator

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms were on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we dont just want to grow great tasting greens we want them to do good as well: for the planet for the health of people and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools training support and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms with three new regional greenhouse this year. BrightFarms fresh lettuce options from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits are available in more than 4500 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest.

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up operate and monitor machines and equipment. They will ensure that product and packaging requirements are met safely efficiently and with minimal waste. They will inspect harvesting or packaging line processes and materials and respond promptly to any machine malfunctions. They will be responsible for the start up and continuous operation of harvesting and packaging equipment while maintaining efficiencies and assist the department in meeting or exceeding daily production goals.

The Machine Operator will be expected to prepare seeding harvesting and/or packaging machines prior to product run including cleaning sanitizing and adjusting as needed within the specified guidelines. The machine operator will fill equipment with packaging materials including corrugated boxes film trays and finished product and stack cases on pallets. The operator may also utilize computerized controls on equipment.

General Knowledge and Skills

• Performs all duties in compliance with plant rules and practices safety conduct sanitation and good housekeeping.
• Capable to work from ladders and scaffolding in a safe manner.
• Capable of operating hand operated MHE such as pallet jacks and stacker units
• Work efficiently and effectively with supervision in a team environment
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; and talk or hear
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude problem solving and decision making skills
• Ability to use basic computer software applications
• Legible hand writing required
• Ability to work on a team and interact professionally with others

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced high-speed environment follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment
• Perform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation
• Operate/monitor specific equipment during operation to ensure quality production and minimal unplanned stops
• Communicate with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materials
• Will keep the work area clean and perform housekeeping and sanitation on equipment
• Inspect raw material and packaging components for defects
• Test finished product for leaks quality seals and accurate labels
• Perform basic maintenance activities such as lubrication inspection and adjustment

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• 0-2 years experience as a machine operator or related experience
• Knowledge of GMP/GWP
• Understanding of basic Analytical and Problem Solving skills
• Must be a team player and show attention to detail
• Must be able to work with moderate supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in a technical field or certification
• Food or agriculture industry experience
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment

Working Conditions & Schedule

Greenhouse/Outside/Coolers/Office. Machine Operators will have exposure to seasonal conditions which may range from extreme heat and humidity in the summer to cold in the winter. Work near moving mechanical parts including in the vicinity of occasional high noise environments is required. You will be working in the Cooler (35F-40F) Greenhouse (75F-85F) and Headhouse (60F-90F) environments for part or all of your shift and will dress accordingly.

1st shift: 6am - 6:30pm

2nd shift: 6pm - 6:30am

*Rotating shift on 2-2-3 schedule (every other weekend is 3 days off)

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job employees are expected to sometimes use hands to finger handle or feel. Frequently standing walking reaching with hands and arms as well as stooping kneeling crouching and climbing. The lifting requirements to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. The employee should have clear correctable vision at close and distance range as well as peripheral vision to notice safety hazards.

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individuals age race color religion or creed national origin or ancestry sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation gender gender identity physical or mental disability veteran status genetic information ethnicity citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law.