Shift Operator

ProFarm; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

ProFarm is seeking a plant operator to safely run manufacturing equipment, ensure batch quality and meet production targets at our Davis, CA facility. The role emphasizes accuracy in documentation, adherence to SOPs, and collaboration with shift staff.

Responsibilities include verifying materials, operating machinery, and maintaining records, with emphasis on safety, sterility, and continuous improvement through routine testing and adjustments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Forklift truck certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• At least one year of process and equipment experience in chemical, pharmaceutical, fermentation or biotech or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Verify proper raw materials and quantities per batch instructions.
• Accurately and neatly complete required documentation.
• Inspect, maintain, and operate manufacturing equipment following SOPs to ensure safe processing.
• Observe in-process production and make necessary process adjustments with routine analytical testing and document results.
• Communicate deviations to shift supervisor or lab technician.
• Follow equipment-specific cleaning instructions for sterility.
• Coordinate with on-site personnel as required.
• Complete daily shift production logs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain excellent computer skills; familiarity with operation software.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Self-motivation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

About the Company

ProFarm is an agricultural technology company on a mission to improve the food we eat in a way that benefits the grower, the consumer, and the entire industry. Headquartered in Davis, California, with a global footprint spanning Michigan to Finland, we deliver field-proven, biological solutions for pest management and plant health. By bridging the gap between sustainability and profitability, ProFarm helps modern growers optimize crop yields while protecting the planet. Learn more and join our mission at ProFarm.com.

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for safely and effectively operating the plant equipment to ensure the products manufactured meet the quality and quantity standards set by the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Verify that the proper raw materials and the required quantities of each are being used per the batch instructions.
• Accurately and neatly completes required documentation.
• Inspect, maintain, and operate manufacturing equipment following the standard operating procedures/instructions to ensure safe processing.
• Inspect the in-process production at specified intervals, make necessary process adjustments as needed via the per routine analytical testing and document the results to ensure product quality and integrity.
• Communicate with shift supervisor/ lab technician any process deviations from normal production standards.
• Follow equipment specific cleaning instructions to ensure product sterility during the manufacturing process.
• Communicate with other on-site personnel when required.
• Complete daily shift production logs.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Excellent computer skills; familiarity with operation software.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalency.
• LICENSES: Must have a forklift truck certification or be able to obtain the certification within 30 days of hire.
• EXPERIENCE: Minimum one-year process and equipment experience in either Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Fermentation or Bio-tech or related experience.

PHYSICAL

• Work in cold to hot temperatures; work around dust, fumes, and/or moderate to loud noises (+/- 85 decibels).
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work with heavy machinery in manufacturing environment, including driving a forklift.
• Able to lift, pull, carry, and pick-up average to heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Able to climb stairs or ladders and deal with heights, sit, bend, stoop and reach for objects, walk on paved and unpaved surfaces, stand for prolonged periods of time; operate a computer and keyboard; visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; manual dexterity to operate a telephone; lift objects horizontally and vertically; eye‑hand coordination to safely and cautiously conduct tasks.
• Must be able to pass required testing and be able to wear the required protective equipment (e.g., ear plugs, mask, respirator, etc.) as assigned and provided by the company.
• Ability to safely and effectively coordinate multiple projects/tasks.
• Must have the ability to work different shifts and overtime. This includes the possibility of short-term and long-term shift reassignment to match the needs of the business.

MENTAL

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in workload priorities and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to use the required senses to comprehend, follow instructions and initiate work duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.

TRAVEL

• Ability to travel domestically 0-5% of the time when necessary by typical modes of transportation (e.g., car/truck).

The individual should appreciate our entrepreneurial, fast-paced, agile, and dynamic work setting. He/she should be enthusiastic and energetic, goal-driven, and highly motivated to complete tasks in a timely, efficient manner. The candidate should also thrive in a strong team environment, be a self-starter. An individual who is positive, interactive, resourceful and creative in problem solving by thinking “out of the box” will be highly valued in this role.

COMPENSATION

• ProFarm offers a comprehensive benefits package including a health plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance coverage, long term disability, and a flexible spending account for dependent care and/or medical expenses.

The above is a list of essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned. This job description may be modified as needed.

ProFarm is an equal-opportunity employer. A pre-employment background check and drug screening will be required.