Machine Operator

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour

Benefit Eligible: Yes, includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision) along with paid time off and a 401(k) with company match

Location: Mesa, AZ

Classification: Non-exempt, Regular Full-time

Reports to: Production Manager and Production Lead
 

The Company

Paleovalley is a modern health-conscious snack and supplement company. We are committed to making delicious, high-quality products that do not cut corners. We source from certified organic farmers using regenerative agricultural practices. Our goal is to support our customers with better alternatives to the health-damaging junk foods and synthetic supplements lining the grocery store shelves.

Wild Pastures, our sister company, is on a mission to transform the meat industry. We deliver 100% grass fed, pasture-raised, environmentally-regenerative beef, chicken and pork and sustainably caught, wild seafood directly to our customers’ doors. We have incredibly high standards for our meat – all being raised in the USA by small-scale family farmers on lush pastures free from human-caused chemicals.

The Opportunity

The Machine Operator is responsible for the proper and safe operation of different machinery used in the processing and packaging floor, while adhering to quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements. The Machine Operator must follow and adhere to all company process procedures and controls. The Machine Operator will report to and work closely with the Production Manager and Production Lead on shift.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Machine Operations:

1. Operate Processing and Packaging Equipment: Operate various processing and packaging machines according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
2. Maintain Operation Flow: Operate and monitor lines, removing or shifting material and/or finished product as necessary to facilitate proper flow and machine operation.
3. Product and Package Changeovers: Perform changeovers on equipment, labelers and date coders following procedures.
4. Machine Setup: Properly set up at startup and perform necessary setting adjustments on equipment throughout the shift.
5. Monitor Packaging Operation: Continuously check the label, seals on packaging, net weights and date placement throughout the shift to ensure that every package label and date is correct according to the specification sheet.

Ingredient Handling and Preparation:

6. Receive and Inspect Raw Materials: Verify that raw ingredients are correctly labeled, stored, and meet the required quality specifications.
7. Segregation Management: Ensure that ingredients are properly stored, segregated, and handled to prevent cross-contamination, using dedicated equipment and maintaining clean environments.

Quality Control & Compliance:

8. In-Process Quality Inspection: Notify QA Technician or Production Lead in regards to process checks and when samples are ready to be collected or at various stages of processing or packaging.
9. GMP Compliance: Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and FDA and USDA compliance at all times.
10. Prevent Contamination: Ensure that all equipment and ingredients are free from contaminants or allergens that could affect product quality.
11. Quality Issue Notification: Notify QA Technician of any issues related to batch quality, equipment performance, or ingredient inconsistencies. Notify Production Lead or Maintenance Technician when necessary.

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

12. Maintain Processing and Packaging Equipment: Perform routine operator maintenance on processing and packaging equipment, such as cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and proper calibration.
13. Ensure Equipment Functionality: Monitor for any signs of equipment malfunction or breakdowns and take appropriate action, including troubleshooting minor issues or escalating to maintenance teams.
14. Report Equipment Issues: Report any mechanical or operational issues to Production Lead or Maintenance Technician.

Documentation and Reporting:

15. Maintain Accurate Records: Document all ingredient batch/LOT information, and any deviations to ensure traceability.
16. Record Batch Information: Maintain detailed batch / LOT records (BOM, batch production logs) to ensure compliance and to facilitate traceability in case of any product recalls or audits.
17. Production Reports and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of downtime and machine operations, and properly complete all documentation and reports daily.

Safety:

18. Ensure Safe Work Practices: Follow all safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (e.g., gloves and eye protection).
19. Maintain Clean and Safe Work Environment: Ensure that work areas, equipment, and materials are kept clean and orderly, adhering to health and safety standards.
20. Follow Regulatory Guidelines: Ensure all processes are in compliance with FDA and USDA requirements and quality standards.

Team Collaboration and Communication:

21. Work closely with Production Lead, Production Manager, QA teams, and Maintenance Teams to ensure smooth operations and meet production targets.
22. Report any difficulties or opportunities for improvement to management for further optimization of processing or packaging processes.
23. Training and Mentorship: If experienced, assist the Production Lead in training new or junior operators on equipment, procedures, and safety protocols.

Competencies

1. Attention to Detail – Ability to maintain accuracy and precision in tasks.
2. Teamwork – Strong collaboration and communication skills within a team environment.
3. Work Ethic – Reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to meeting production goals.
4. Adaptability – Willingness to learn and adjust to new processes or tasks.
5. Safety Awareness – Understanding and following workplace safety protocols.

Required Education and Experience

1. Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
2. Experience: 1 year of experience in a food or supplement manufacturing environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role is performed in a manufacturing setting, which may include exposure to varying temperatures, varying noise levels including loud machinery, and dust or other airborne particles. Employees are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed, such as safety glasses, gloves, or ear protection, to maintain a safe working environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires prolonged standing and walking for the duration of the shift. The employee will be regularly lifting, moving (pushes, pulls, or carrying objects), maintaining body balance while using abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. The employee will also carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee will use frequent bending, stooping, and reaching, as well as manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) to operate machinery or tools and perform repetitive tasks. The position regularly works near moving mechanical parts. Work may be performed under hazardous conditions such as operating heavy equipment within the manufacturing facility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have excellent stamina with the ability to remain focused and maintain a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment. The employee must adhere to all safety protocols and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. The exact schedule will be set by your manager. This position does not require travel.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

The employee must be authorized to work in the United States for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

EEO Statement:

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are equal opportunity employers. Employment and processes, including decisions to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify:

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures participate in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.