Production Machine Operator - Blue Buffalo

General Mills; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, life insurance

11 paid holidays

Vacation time

Job summary

General Mills in Joplin, MO is hiring a Production Machine Operator for 12-hour shifts on the night schedule. This role supports packaging, processing, sanitation, and changeovers while ensuring food safety and quality. You will troubleshoot equipment, monitor batch formulas, and assist with training new staff.

The position offers competitive pay, vacation time, holidays, and a 401(k) with company match. Overtime and weekend work may be required as the plant runs 24/7.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
• English communication skills.
• Basic computer skills to use digital tools and systems.

Responsibilities

• Support production packaging and processing operations, sanitation, and startup/changeover/shutdown of equipment.
• Troubleshoot machinery and coordinate with maintenance to resolve issues.
• Monitor batch formulas and procedures to ensure accuracy.
• Handle inventory of wet/dry ingredients and raw meat.
• Calibrate and monitor processing and packaging systems to specs.
• Participate in startup, setup, and shutdown activities.

Skills

Machine operation

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Quality control

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEWWe exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.POSITION OVERVIEWProduction Machine OperatorStarting Pay: $21.89 per hour$1.00 per hour additional shift differential pay (7pm to 7am)12-hour shifts | 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off scheduleWhy Join Our TeamLocated in historic Joplin, at our Joplin Pet manufacturing site we produce Blue Buffalo dog food, Sizzlers, Stix, Bits, Blue Bones and Wilderness Wild Bones dog treats. We foster a culture where we want our employees to be excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees. Our Blue Rah committee hosts events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. We also partner with our local humane society for different events and volunteer work.What We Have to Offer$21.89 per hour starting payUp to $26.15 per hour (internal pay advancement)$1.00 per hour additional for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 amUp to 120 hours (10 days) vacation annually11 paid company holidays401(k) with company matchMedical, dental, life insuranceCareer growth and cross-training opportunitiesYour Work Schedule and Shift Information12-hour shiftsDay shift: 6:45 am – 7:00 pmNigh shift: 6:45 pm – 7:00 amCurrently hiring for Night Shift only12-hour schedule: Work repeating 3 nights on, 2 nights off, 2 nights on, 3 nights off scheduleMust be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as neededPlant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESAs part of our manufacturing team, you will:Be responsible for supporting production packaging and processing operations, sanitation and participation in startup, changeover and shutdown of operating equipmentTroubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issuesMonitor and ensure proper batch formulas and batch proceduresBe responsible for the inventory and handling of wet ingredients, dry ingredients and/or raw frozen meatCalibrate and monitor processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specificationsParticipate in startup, setup, changeover, and shut down of operating equipmentPerform food safety checks and CCP monitoring activities as specified by HACCPSafely operator forklift to move material in a safe and efficient mannerParticipate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performanceAssist in training new employeesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma or GEDAbility to work rotating 12-hour shifts2 years (minimum) experience in machine operation and/or mechanical/technical skillsetAbility to obtain and maintain forklift and/or Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV/POV) certificationMust possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)Basic computer skills with the ability to use digital tools and systems to complete daily work tasksAbility to lift up to 50 lbs.Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periodsWillingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditionsAbility to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platformsAbility to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standardsAbility to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergensPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in a manufacturing/production environmentELIGIBILITYApplicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: