Machine Operator- 1st Shift Box Room Liberty

Shenandoah Valley Organic; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly payroll

Paid time off and sick leave

Semi-subsidized medical coverage

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) match

Education reimbursement

Employee assistance programs (EAP)

Internal learning & career growth

Job summary

Farmer Focus in Liberty, VA is hiring a full-time Machine Operator for the 1st Shift in the Box Room department. The role emphasizes maintaining equipment, ensuring product quality, and upholding food safety standards on-site.

The position reports to the Box Room Supervisor, offers weekly payroll, PTO, health coverage options, and a 401(k) match, with opportunities for growth and education reimbursement. Drug screening and work authorization in the United States are required.

Qualifications

• General mathematical ability required to perform job responsibilities accurately.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to read and write to safely utilize lockout/tagout and confined space entry programs.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and drawings.
• Basic knowledge of standard and metric measures.
• Ability to work assigned days/shifts, including weekends.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and test mechanical equipment, machinery, and components within assigned production areas.
• Identify equipment, parts, or machines that need repair, replacement, or preventive maintenance.
• Respond promptly to production-area requests when mechanical issues have been identified.
• Communicate with production management and team members to diagnose issues and determine potential mechanical problems.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to support safe, efficient, and reliable equipment operation.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently while using time, tools, and resources responsibly.
• Follow all food safety programs, safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, confined space entry procedures, and Farmer Focus policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production, safety, quality, and operational goals.

Skills

Mathematical ability

English literacy

Reading & interpreting docs

Measurement knowledge

Weekend availability

Job description

Job Details

• Job Title: Machine Operator
• Compensation: $18.50/hr.
• Department: Box Room
• Reports To: Box Room Supervisor
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Location: Liberty
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Shift / Schedule: 1st Shift
• Travel Requirements: N/A
• Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Machine Operator is responsible for diligently maintaining superior quality, productivity, and maintenance standards for an assigned area and equipment while following all safety programs. This role supports Farmer Focus operations by helping ensure equipment runs efficiently, production needs are met, customer specifications are maintained, and food safety and company policies are consistently followed.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and test mechanical equipment, machinery, and components within assigned production areas.
• Identify equipment, parts, or machines that need repair, replacement, or preventive maintenance.
• Respond promptly to production-area requests when mechanical issues have been identified.
• Communicate with production management and team members to diagnose issues and determine potential mechanical problems.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to support safe, efficient, and reliable equipment operation.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently while using time, tools, and resources responsibly.
• Follow all food safety programs, safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, confined space entry procedures, and Farmer Focus policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production, safety, quality, and operational goals.

Benefits

Benefits: Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members' health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

• weekly payroll
• paid time off and sick leave
• semi-subsidized medical coverage
• dental and vision plan options
• a 401(k) plan with company match
• education reimbursement opportunities
• employee assistance programs (EAP)
• internal learning, development, and career growth programs

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• General mathematical ability required to perform job responsibilities accurately.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to read and write to safely utilize lockout/tagout and confined space entry programs.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and drawings.
• Basic knowledge of standard and metric measures.
• Ability to work assigned days/shifts, including weekends.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

New team members must be able to pass a drug and alcohol screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. Must be authorized to work in the United States. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

This role is performed in a production environment and requires working on-site around mechanical equipment, machinery, and production operations. Team members must follow all safety, food safety, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, PPE, and company requirements. The position may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and performing tasks in a fast-paced environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and production schedules. Some weekend work may be required based on assigned shifts and business needs.

This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.

About Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer