Machine Operator Lead

AgReserves, Inc.; Plymouth (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

River Point Farms is seeking a Machine Operator Lead to supervise daily onion processing line operations and act as the primary technical resource during shifts.

The Lead will troubleshoot, support maintenance, and guide other Operators while coordinating across lines to uphold safety, quality, and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent; technical coursework in mechanics, automation, or related fields preferred.
• Experience as a lead or senior machine operator in processing/manufacturing.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot and optimize multiple types of equipment or production lines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex equipment issues.
• Proficiency with machine interfaces, computer-based systems, and interpreting production data.
• Knowledge of SOPs, GMPs, HACCP, and all relevant food safety protocols.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate the work of other operators.
• Willingness to obtain forklift or aerial lift certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily line operations and coordinate work across multiple operators and lines/shifts.
• Provide advanced technical support during startups, changeovers, shutdowns, and complex equipment issues.
• Serve as the main contact for other Operators for questions and troubleshooting needs.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and guide problem solving tasks.
• Lead or support equipment setups, calibrations, and process adjustments.
• Partner with Maintenance to escalate issues and confirm repairs are completed.
• Ensure safety, quality, and food safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Verify quality checks and ensure proper escalation of issues.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate operators; provide feedback on skill development.
• Monitor production KPIs and lead improvement activities to boost performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Machine operation

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Forklift certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

River Point Farms is seeking a Machine Operator Lead to join our onion processing team!

Summary:

The Lead Machine Operator is a skilled role that oversees daily line operations and helps coordinate machine operators across different lines or shifts. This person is the main technical resource during the shift, handling difficult troubleshooting, supporting maintenance, and guiding other Operators. The Lead Machine Operator works closely with Supervisors and Maintenance to keep equipment running, improve processes, and ensure all quality and food safety standards are followed.

Responsibilities:

• Lead daily line operations and coordinate work across multiple operators and lines/shifts.
• Provide advanced technical support during startups, changeovers, shutdowns, and complex equipment issues.
• Serve as the main contact for other Operators for questions and troubleshooting needs.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and guide problem solving tasks.
• Lead or support equipment setups, calibrations, and process adjustments.
• Partner with Maintenance to **escalate** issues and confirm repairs are completed.
• Ensure safety, quality, and food safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Verify quality checks and ensure proper escalation of issues.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate operators; provide feedback on skill development.
• Monitor production KPIs and lead improvement activities to boost performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school or equivalent, formal coursework or training in mechanics, automation or related technical fields preferred.
• + years of machine operation experience in a processing or manufacturing environment to include experience as in senior/lead role.
• Demonstrated expertise in operating, troubleshooting and optimizing multiple types of equipment or production lines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex equipment issues.
• Proficiency with machine interfaces, computer-based systems, and interpreting production data.
• Strong understanding of SOPs, GMPs, HACCP, and all relevant food safety protocols.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate the work of other operators.
• Excellent communication, organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and/or aerial lift certifications.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Preferred:

Experience in a food processing environment. Experience supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Working conditions:

* The physical demands below describe what is generally required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly lift, carry, push, and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, including raw materials, finished products, tools, or equipment.
• Perform work that involves prolonged standing and walking, with occasional sitting depending on task requirements.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to operate machinery, tools, conveyors, controls, and other processing equipment.
• Occasionally position self to access equipment, materials, or work areas, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, or crawling.
• Communicate clearly to follow instructions and report problems or safety concerns.
• Have adequate vision to safely perform job duties, including near and distance vision, color recognition, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

* The work environment below describes conditions the employee may encounter while performing this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made when appropriate.

• Work is performed primarily in a plant environment, with occasional exposure to office settings as job duties require.
• The role involves frequent interaction with moving mechanical components, including conveyors, processing equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Employees may regularly encounter wet or slippery surfaces, dust, and fluctuating temperatures, including hot and cold conditions typical of agricultural processing facilities.
• Occasional work at heights or in confined or elevated locations may be required, with potential exposure to electrical or mechanical hazards.
• Periodic exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and hazardous chemicals used in processing, cleaning, or maintenance activities.
• Noise levels are often high and may require the use of hearing protection.
• Work hours may vary based on and may include day, night, weekend, holiday, or extended shifts to support continuous operations.
• Travel by vehicle may be required for other company facilities, suppliers, or operational sites.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, hearing protection, and protective clothing will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and company policy. Employees are required to wear designated PPE when tasks or work areas require it; compliance with PPE requirements is mandatory.

AgReserves, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Qualified applicants must be legally and lawfully authorized to be employed and work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship - AgReserves, Inc. is not sponsoring visas at this time.

AgReserves offers medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance coverage. Additionally, employees can contribute to an FSA, and to an employer matched 401(K). Employees can apply for Tuition Assistance for continuing education purposes. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a discretionary profit-sharing bonus. For more detailed information please visit our benefits site: www.agreserves.com/benefits . AgReserves, Inc. complies with the current state minimum wage laws for all positions, regardless of the pay ranges posted.