Technical Food Production 2nd Shift

Hudsonville Ice Cream; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Job summary

Hudsonville Ice Cream in Holland, MI is seeking a hands-on Technical Operator to produce, package, and prepare ice cream across multiple production platforms. You will operate, monitor, and troubleshoot automated and mechanical equipment while maintaining GMPs and food safety standards.

The role emphasizes accuracy, teamwork, and a strong work ethic in a fast-paced environment. The shift is 2nd and includes overtime as needed; compensation ranges from $22 to $28 per hour, with full-time benefits

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior manufacturing or food production experience preferred.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate freezing, filling, and novelty production equipment.
• Receive, stage, weigh, and label ingredients accurately.
• Assist with batching and mixing of ice cream base.
• Maintain GMPs, allergen control, and food safety procedures.
• Complete production, quality, and sanitation documentation.

Skills

Mathematics

Teamwork

Communication

Multi-tasking

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Initiative

Safety awareness

Technical troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food manufacturing experience (preferred)

Forklift certification (plus)

Job description

Location: Holland, MI

Hours: 2nd shift: Monday through Friday 2pm to 10:30pm

Compensation: $22 to $28 per hour

Position Summary

As a Technical Operator at Hudsonville Ice Cream, you will play a key hands‑on role in producing, packaging, and preparing our ice cream products across multiple production platforms. You will operate, monitor, and troubleshoot a variety of automated and mechanical equipment, ensuring production runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards. This role involves ingredient handling, batching, freezing, filling, palletizing, and sanitation processes. You will work closely with team members, maintenance technicians, and leadership to meet safety, quality, and production goals while maintaining compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, mechanically inclined, detail‑oriented, and thrives in a fast‑paced environment. Success in this role requires initiative, a strong work ethic, and commitment to The Hudsonville Way by demonstrating teamwork, positivity, and responsibility in every aspect of production.

Duties And Responsibilities

Attendance and Workplace Conduct

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Work scheduled overtime, including Saturdays, as required

Physical And Technical Abilities

• Maintain good hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Demonstrate strong multi‑tasking and problem‑solving abilities

Production and Ingredient Handling

• Assist with receiving bulk ingredients (e.g., yogurt and inclusions)
• Support the mixing and batching of ice cream base according to standards
• Receive, stage, weigh, and label ingredients accurately
• Operate freezing, filling, and novelty production equipment
• Assist with palletizing and preparing finished products for shipment

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Control

• Follow all GMPs, allergen control, and food safety procedures
• Operate equipment safely and according to standard operating procedures
• Accurately complete production, quality, and sanitation documentation

Sanitation and Cleanliness

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot cleaning process
• Perform Clean‑in‑Place (CIP) procedures and sanitation connections
• Conduct thorough cleaning and sanitation of all equipment
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Monitor equipment performance and perform basic maintenance
• Collaborate with maintenance technicians to resolve equipment issues

Team Collaboration and Training

• Support cross‑training initiatives to build team flexibility
• Support a team‑oriented environment through active communication and collaboration

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
• Prior manufacturing or food production experience (preferred but not required)
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Basic to intermediate math skills (weighing, measuring, calculating)
• Demonstrates initiative and problem‑solving abilities
• Apply critical thinking to troubleshoot issues independently
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced production environment
• Comfortable working with technology and automated equipment
• Committed to maintaining a safe and clean work environment, adhering to all safety protocols
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of equipment functionality
• Attention to detail with a focus on product quality

Physical Requirements

• Manual Dexterity: Perform repetitive tasks with both hands and maintain strong hand‑eye coordination.
• Mobility: Stand for extended periods (up to 9 hours) with frequent walking, bending, reaching, and crouching.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance: Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and bump or hard hats as needed.
• Physical Strength: Lift, push, or pull up to 30-50 lbs. regularly from ground to waist or chest height; occasionally handle heavier items with assistance.
• Responsiveness and Communication: Respond quickly to alarms and equipment sounds and communicate clearly in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Working at Heights: Safely climb ladders and work at heights as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work in a manufacturing facility with active industrial equipment, varying temperatures, and noise levels.
• Environments may be wet, damp, or cool (35°–45°F).
• Areas may include flashing/strobe lights and strong magnetic fields that could impact certain medically implanted devices.

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance