Machine Operator

Cox Farms; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightFarms is seeking a Machine Operator to set up, operate, and monitor packaging and harvesting equipment across varied greenhouse environments. This role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and efficiency to meet daily production goals.

Shifts include day and night with a $2/night differential. Candidates should be prepared for high-speed operation, adherence to GMP/GWP, and teamwork in a dynamic indoor farming facility.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required or equivalent.
• Familiarity with GMP/GWP principles is preferred.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor harvesting and packaging equipment.
• Ensure product quality and minimize waste.
• Carry out pre-operation activities for proper startup.
• Maintain clean and sanitized equipment areas.
• Inspect materials and finished products for defects.
• Perform basic maintenance like lubrication and adjustments.

Skills

Safety awareness

Ladder safety

Pallet jack operation

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Basic computer skills

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Pallet jack operation

Job description

• 1st shift: 6am - 6:30pm
• 2nd shift: 6pm - 6:30am
• Rotating shift on 2-2-3 schedule (every other weekend is 3 days off)
• Pay rate day: $17.00/hr USD
• Pay rate nights: $17.00/hr USD (+$2 differential for nights)

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we're on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don't 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 4,500 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.

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