Processing Operator I: Temp - Hire (12 Hour Shift)

Oregon Freeze Dry; Town of Rush (NY); On-site; USD 28,929 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision options

401(k) with employer match

Life and disability insurance

Paid holidays, PTO, and sick time

Pet insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Oregon Freeze Dry seeks a Processing Operator to join our Production team on a rotating (2,2,3) shift. You will operate and maintain equipment safely, support daily production, and contribute to quality-driven outcomes.

The role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and adapting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. A temp-to-hire path offers potential full-time employment after 3 months or 500 hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or college coursework preferred.
• Generally, 1–2 years of experience operating manufacturing equipment in a food or GMP environment.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize equipment issues.
• Commitment to safety and accuracy in documentation.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on varied tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Basic computer proficiency; including data entry, digital forms, or manufacturing software systems.
• Basic computer and math skills, including data entry and unit conversions.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work instructions, and technical documents.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work various shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment; perform changeovers, routine maintenance, and cleaning per SOPs.
• Lead and coordinate daily team activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and achievement of production goals.
• Maintain smooth production flow and promptly report equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure product quality through in-process checks, accurate documentation, and timely reporting of non-conformances or deviations.
• Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment issues and support quick resolution.
• Participate in investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Documentation

Adaptability

Data entry

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training or college coursework

Tools

Manufacturing software systems

Job description

Are you ready for your next adventure?

At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose-driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House © meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We're proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.

We're looking for a Processing Operator to join our Production team on a rotating (2,2,3) shift. You will be working either the rotating day shift OR the rotating night shift. This position is critical to supporting daily production activities on the processing floor by operating and maintaining equipment in a safe, efficient, and quality-driven environment. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working on a team, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and has previous experience in a manufacturing environment.

We offer a temp-hire model whereby you will be a temporary employee through one of our partners for the first 3 months or 500 hours and then we will assess bringing you on a reg full-time employee of Oregon Freeze Dry.

You Will Get To

• Operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment; perform changeovers, routine maintenance, and cleaning per SOPs
• Lead and coordinate daily team activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and achievement of production goals
• Maintain smooth production flow and promptly report equipment or process issues to minimize downtime
• Ensure product quality through in-process checks, accurate documentation, and timely reporting of non-conformances or deviations
• Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment issues and support quick resolution
• Participate in investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives

Pay

$21.40 as temporary with increase to $22.00 upon converting to Reg FTE (Plus $1.00 Shift Diff if Nights)

Schedule

2, 2, 3 schedule rotation - 7:00 am/pm - 7:00 pm /am ( please see rotation example below)

• Mon - On
• Mon - Off
• Tues - On
• Tues - Off
• Wed - Off
• Wed - On
• Thurs - Off
• Thurs - On
• Friday - On
• Fri - Off
• Sat - On
• Sat - Off
• Sun - On
• Sun - Off

Environment Of This Position

• Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud
• Exposure to various food allergens
• Constant requirement to stand, walk, climb, push, pull, reach, carry, and lift and twist
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds

OFD contains office, manufacturing and outdoor workspaces where this position is required to access and work. The position requires a person to be able to frequently walk, stand and climb; bend and twist; see, hear and talk; use hands to type, handle or feel tools, controls; use hands and arms to reach, hold and carry tools or items. This position also requires a person to handle environments of varied temperatures and with various food allergens present; and be comfortable at various heights.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or college coursework preferred
• Generally, 1-2 years of experience operating manufacturing equipment in a food or GMP environment
• Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize equipment issues
• Commitment to safety and accuracy in documentation
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on varied tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Basic computer proficiency; including experience with data entry, digital forms, or manufacturing software systems
• Basic computer and math skills, including data entry and unit conversions
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work instructions, and technical documents
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work various shifts as needed

Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits

• Available for OFD regular employees*
• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members

Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.