Day Shift Crush Operator

American-Natural; Cherokee (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

American Natural Processors (ANP) is seeking Production Operators to safely and efficiently run Crush processing equipment and uphold quality and food safety standards.

The role supports Monday–Friday shifts with opportunities for weekend work and includes a $5/hour differential for weekend hours; training provided and growth potential within operations.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, basic math and strong safety mindset; prior manufacturing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math, documentation, and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate Crush processing equipment in accordance with SOPs, GMPs, and safety requirements.
• Monitor process conditions, equipment performance, and product quality parameters.
• Perform routine in-process checks, documentation, and recordkeeping accurately and timely.
• Identify, respond to, and escalation process deviations, equipment issues, or food safety concerns.
• Perform routine sanitation, housekeeping, and basic maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Support receiving and load-out activities related to production operations as required.
• Follow all safety policies, including lockout/tagout, confined space, PPE, and food safety requirements.

Skills

Basic math

Documentation

Communication skills

Safety discipline

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

Production Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating plant equipment and processes to produce products that meet quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements at American Natural Processors (ANP). This role primarily supports Crush operations.

This shift is Monday - Friday, 6am to 2:30pm with occasional opportunities for weekend shifts. We pay a $5 an hour differential for all hours worked between Midnight on Fridays and Midnight on Sundays.

Food Safety, GMP & Compliance Responsibilities

• Follow all GMPs, SOPs, and food safety requirements applicable to production activities.
• Identify and report food safety or quality risks immediately.
• Ensure work practices protect product integrity and consumer safety.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate Crush processing equipment in accordance with SOPs, GMPs, and safety requirements.
• Monitor process conditions, equipment performance, and product quality parameters.
• Perform routine in-process checks, documentation, and recordkeeping accurately and timely.
• Identify, respond to, and escalation process deviations, equipment issues, or food safety concerns.
• Perform routine sanitation, housekeeping, and basic maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Support receiving and load-out activities related to production operations as required.
• Follow all safety policies, including lockout/tagout, confined space, PPE, and food safety requirements.

Operator Level Differentiation

Production Operator I

Experience / Qualification Level:

• Entry-level operator or developing production employee.
• Typically 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing, agriculture, or processing environments.

Role Expectations:

• Learn and perform core Crush operations under supervision.
• Follow procedures accurately and ask questions when clarification is needed.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Production Operator II

Experience / Qualification Level:

• Intermediate-level operator.
• Typically 2–5 years of experience or demonstrated competency through performance.

Role Expectations:

• Independently operate Crush processes with minimal supervision.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to routine process variability.
• Support training and onboarding of new or less-experienced operators.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and consistent adherence to food safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math, documentation, and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.

Preferred

• Prior experience in food manufacturing, agriculture, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude or process awareness.

Physical & Work Environment

• Manufacturing and plant environment with exposure to noise, temperature variation, moving equipment, dust, and odors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, and lift up to 100 lbs.
• Could require shift work, overtime, and off-shift coverage based on operational needs.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to: Shift Lead, Production Supervisor, or Site Leadership, as designated

Position Type

• Full-Time | Hourly (Level-based)

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve. Production Operators are expected to comply with all company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations.