Operator- $16.00 plus Shift Differential 2nd Shift 3pm-3am

Butterball; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Butterball Farms in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking an Operator for our production and quality-focused team. You will set up, operate, and troubleshoot the production line, monitor product weights, and collaborate with the maintenance crew to keep lines running smoothly.

We value a high school diploma or GED, strong eye-hand coordination, and the ability to work at a fast pace. GMPs, safety rules, and teamwork are essential in this role, with opportunities for growth within the plant.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Good eye-hand coordination and ability to read standard work instructions.
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes.
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to adhere to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and resolve machine issues in accordance with production specifications.
• Use appropriate tools to perform and complete preventative maintenance tasks.
• Communicate effectively with the Maintenance team when additional support is needed.
• Learn and perform all line-related positions within the designated area of responsibility.
• Monitor product consistency, ensuring weights remain within specified ranges.
• Adjust and monitor tunnel controls to maintain required operating parameters.
• Maintain accurate logs and track inventory used throughout the production process.
• Safely lift and load blocks of butter into the machine to maintain a continuous feed to the production line.
• Collaborate as part of a team to achieve the designated production rate.
• Visually inspect products to ensure quality standards are met; identify and report any quality concerns.
• Conduct equipment changeovers efficiently as part of a team.
• Operate software systems to record downtime and track raw material usage.
• Use scan guns appropriately to track inventory or product movement.
• Ensure the production line is continuously stocked with the necessary materials.
• Perform regular quality checks, including metal detector inspections, as required.
• Follow all safety procedures, GMPs, and PPE requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production and quality goals.

Skills

Eye-hand coordination

Reading work instructions

Fast-paced

General math skills

GMP compliance

Food manufacturing experience (a plus)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a world-class food manufacturer — we’re a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives. For over 60 years, we’ve proudly partnered with the world’s premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry.

Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies, we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace.

When you join Butterball® Farms, you’re joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe that when our people grow, our company grows. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your success — both on and off the job.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development and internal promotion.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture Join a workplace that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal growth, and diversity.
• Shift Premiums Competitive pay with additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Paid Time Off Enjoy paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) with Company Match Plan for your future with our generous retirement savings program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Continue your education with financial support for approved programs.
• Access to The Source Get connected to community resources, support services, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related issues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and resolve machine issues in accordance with production specifications.
• Use appropriate tools to perform and complete preventative maintenance tasks.
• Communicate effectively with the Maintenance team when additional support is needed.
• Learn and perform all line-related positions within the designated area of responsibility.
• Monitor product consistency, ensuring weights remain within specified ranges.
• Adjust and monitor tunnel controls to maintain required operating parameters.
• Maintain accurate logs and track inventory used throughout the production process.
• Safely lift and load blocks of butter into the machine to maintain a continuous feed to the production line.
• Collaborate as part of a team to achieve the designated production rate.
• Visually inspect products to ensure quality standards are met; identify and report any quality concerns.
• Conduct equipment changeovers efficiently as part of a team.
• Operate software systems to record downtime and track raw material usage.
• Use scan guns appropriately to track inventory or product movement.
• Ensure the production line is continuously stocked with the necessary materials.
• Perform regular quality checks, including metal detector inspections, as required.
• Follow all safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production and quality goals.

Requirements

We believe a successful Operator will have the following qualifications:

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to read and understand standard work instructions
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods of time
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced production line
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to adhere to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus!

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

(This role requires the following physical activities)

Continuous (67-100% of the time)

• Seeing
• Standing (up to 8+ hours per shift)
• Reaching
• Lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Repetitive hand motions
• Eye-hand coordination
• Working at a consistent pace for extended periods
• Reading and understanding work instructions

Frequent (33-66% of the time)

• Walking
• Talking
• Hearing
• Grasping
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body
• Climbing stairs
• Problem-solving and interpreting instructions
• Using general math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time)

• Stooping
• Crouching
• Pushing
• Kneeling
• Additional reaching
• Driving (if applicable)

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs (sedentary)
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs (medium)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs (light)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs (heavy) or more (very heavy)

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods
• Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).