Food Processing Machine Operator

Charlie's Produce; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

ESOP

401(k)

Paid vacations

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Tuition assistance

EAP

Job summary

Charlie’s Produce is seeking a Machine Operator to support our processing operations. You will safely run production equipment, ensure consistent product flow, accurate packaging, and adherence to food‑safety standards in a fast-paced fresh-cut setting.

Shifts run 4:00am–12:30pm with weekend availability required. Compensation includes $24/hour, with potential for a 90‑day raise based on performance and tenure, plus comprehensive benefits. We value reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Qualifications

• Experience in food processing, manufacturing, or machine operation preferred.
• Ability to work in refrigerated conditions (typically 34–40°F).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor machine issues.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English.
• Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Operate vegetable processing equipment such as cutters, slicers, conveyors, and packaging machine.
• Set up machines at the start of shift, including calibration, blade checks, and safety inspections.
• Monitor equipment performance and make basic adjustments to maintain product quality and line speed.
• Load raw produce into machines and ensure continuous product flow.
• Inspect finished product for quality, size, weight, and packaging accuracy.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and GMP standards.
• Perform routine cleaning and minor maintenance on equipment.
• Report on mechanical issues to maintenance or supervisors.
• Keep accurate production logs, waste records, and downtime notes.
• Work safely in a cold, fast paced environment while meeting production quota.
• Collaborate with line leads, quality assurance, and other team members to maintain smooth operations.

Skills

Food processing experience

Refrigerated environment

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Follow instructions in English

Reliability & teamwork

Job description

Company Description

CP Fresh is a Charlie’s Produce Company - Who We Are

Charlie's Produce is the largest privately owned produce wholesaler on the West Coast, and we are growing. The secret to our success in this industry is PEOPLE! We strive to hire the best and we reward them with a working environment that fosters loyalty, stability, innovation, and growth. Charlie’s was founded in quality, and we are proud that it is still our focus.

CP Fresh brings the same quality to processed foods that Charlie's brings to produce! Our state of the art processing plant provides fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, an expanded salad line, and a USDA-certified hot kitchen. We partner with local vendors to offer our customers fresh, high-quality, made-to-order products.

With a team of dedicated people who are passionate about food, supply chain, and their community- we are looking for like minded individuals to help further our goal to enhance our communities through quality produce and prepared foods.

What We Offer

• An amazing company culture
• Medical/Dental/Vision on the first of the month following hire
• ESOP (Profit Sharing) and 401(k)
• Paid vacations, paid holidays
• Coverage under State Sick Leave
• 100% Prepaid College Tuition for employees and their dependents
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Additional Compensation Details

• $24 an hour
• Potential 90-day performance-based raise
• Yearly review with possibility of increase based on performance and tenure

Job Description

The Machine Operator supports Charlie’s Produce’s mission to deliver the freshest, highest quality produce by operating production equipment safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards. This role ensures consistent product flow, accurate packaging, and adherence to food safety requirements in a fast-paced fresh-cut environment by operating production equipment safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards. This role ensures consistent product flow, accurate packaging, and adherence to food safety requirements in a fast-paced fresh-cut environment.‑quality produce by operating production equipment safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards. This role ensures consistent product flow, accurate packaging, and adherence to food‑safety requirements in a fast‑paced fresh‑cut environment.

Schedule

4:00am – 12:30pm weekend availability required

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Operate vegetable processing equipment such as cutters, slicers, conveyors, and packaging machine
• Set up machines at the start of shift, including calibration, blade checks, and safety inspections
• Monitor equipment performance and make basic adjustments to maintain product quality and line speed
• Load raw produce into machines and ensure continuous product flow
• Inspect finished product for quality, size, weight, and packaging accuracy
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards safety, sanitation, and GMP standards
• Perform routine cleaning and minor maintenance on equipment
• Report on mechanical issues to maintenance or supervisors
• Keep accurate production logs, waste records, and downtime notes
• Work safely in a cold, fast paced environment while meeting production quota
• Collaborate with line leads, quality assurance, and other team members to maintain smooth operations

Qualifications

• Experience in food processing, manufacturing, or machine operation preferred
• Ability to work in refrigerated conditions (typically 34–40°F)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety
• Ability to lift 30–50 lbs. and stand for long periods
• Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor machine issues
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

New Information on Washington’s Fair Chance Act (click links below)

Attorney General’s Washington Fair Chance Act guide

RCW 49.94.010

This is a safety-sensitive position.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

We do not provide H1-B sponsorships at this time.

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

For additional protected privacy information please visit: Privacy Policy | Charlie's Produce (charliesproduce.com)

Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Visit our Employment Page for more details or to view our privacy center: https://www.charliesproduce.com/careers/