Production Operator

Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is seeking a Production Operator for the Purina Animal Nutrition division to support a network of cooperatives, dealers, and retailers across the United States. The role focuses on setting up and operating manufacturing equipment to meet specifications, schedules, and quality standards.

You will monitor output, maintain production records, and troubleshoot processes while ensuring a safe working environment. 1st shift, Monday–Friday, with starting pay at $28.55 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write and comprehend instructions.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow procedures.
• Comfort with basic computer systems and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, maintain and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
• Move, pack, and sort raw materials and finished goods.
• Monitor and record production quality and output; troubleshoot issues and maintain records.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Reading and writing

Critical thinking

Safety awareness

Time management

Team collaboration

Active learning

Active listening

Job description

SHIFT: 1st Shift 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM Mon - Fri

PAY: Starting at $28.55

Job Summary

This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers serve producers, and animal owners throughout the United States. Through industry -leading R&D and committed partnerships, we innovate the nutrition products and practices that unlock the full potential of every animal for a healthier, more productive life.

The Production Operator focuses on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting manufacturing production (i.e., machining, processing, assembly, or packaging) equipment including: Operating machine tool, chemical processing, assembly, or packaging equipment to manufacture products according to production specifications, schedules, volume/cost/wastage targets, and quality standards

• Moving, packing, and sorting raw materials or finished goods
• Monitoring the quality of output to identify, discard, or re-manufacture faulty products
• Maintaining accurate daily production records as input to manufacturing performance analysis and examines production materials for processing. Operates all equipment and processes. Monitors machine parameters and troubleshoots processing problems.

Required Experience

• Basic computer skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Age: 18 years or older
• Comprehension: Ability to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Safety: Ensuring the complete physical safety of oneself and one’s co-workers at all times without exception
• Time Management: Showing up on time, reliably completing tasks by the deadline, and adapting to changes in deadlines and priorities with minimal supervision
• Coordination: Working well with others to meet team goals and adjusting to important changes
• Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate.

Physical Requirements For Production Positions Regularly Include

• Able to lift 50lbs
• Frequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements
• Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment
• Working across temperature zones that may include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include work in environments where dust is present
• Shift schedules that include days, nights, and weekends, some holidays and periodic overtime

Nothing in this job description restricts the management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 500 company, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named #17 on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list and recognized as a winner in the Skilled Laborers category, as well as a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and included on the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.