Sr. Operator - Nights

Van Drunen Farms; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Bonus potential

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms is seeking a hands-on production team member for a full-time night shift. You will support drying, freezing, processing, packaging, and quality controls while operating and adjusting equipment to ensure safe, efficient runs.

Responsibilities include following GMPs, maintaining logs, and collaborating with teammates. Forklift experience is a plus; accurate reporting and adherence to safety standards are essential.

Qualifications

• At least one year of production experience or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and uphold safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Basic reading, writing, and computer skills; familiarity with ERP systems, scanners, or desktop apps.

Responsibilities

• Support production operations by performing tasks related to drying, freezing, processing, sifting, grinding, boxing, re-boxing, and packaging.
• Operate, adjust, and set up production equipment for safe, efficient production runs.
• Follow GMPs, SOPs, CCP requirements, and safety procedures including PPE and LOTO protocols.
• Complete cleaning, sanitation, and scheduled maintenance to maintain food safety and equipment performance.
• Train and support team members, lead pre-shift meetings and safety stretches, communicate HR safety and operational concerns.

Skills

production experience

basic math

ERP systems

scanners/desktop apps

safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! Expected Pay Range: $ 21.25 - 22.95 Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics. Benefits Eligible: Yes Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf Shift Differential: Yes

Who We Are At Van Drunen Farms, we’re not just providing ingredients; we’re providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we’re striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Support production operations by independently performing and coordinating tasks related to drying, freezing, wet and dry processing, sifting, grinding, boxing, re-boxing, and packaging.
• Operate, adjust, and set up production equipment while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production runs.
• Follow GMPs, SOPs, CCP requirements, and safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) protocols.
• Complete cleaning, sanitation, and scheduled maintenance activities to maintain food safety and equipment performance.
• Train and support team members, lead pre-shift meetings and safety stretches, and communicate operational, quality, safety, and HR concerns appropriately.
• Support production goals through strong attendance, shift preparation, cross-functional collaboration, accurate reporting, and overtime as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• At least one year of production experience or an equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and maintain high standards for safety, quality, and productivity.
• Basic reading, writing, and computer skills, including the ability to use ERP systems, scanners, or desktop applications when required.
• Ability to prepare shift reports, maintain documentation, and communicate basic performance data.
• Strong math skills with the ability to accurately count inventory, report weights, and perform basic calculations.
• Previous forklift experience is a plus, and forklift certification may be required with training provided as needed.

What You Can Look Forward To

• A full-time third shift schedule of Monday through Friday, 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., with mandatory overtime on Sundays from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills through training, mentoring, and supporting production team members.
• A hands-on role focused on food safety, product quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• A collaborative manufacturing environment where teamwork, accountability, and communication are valued.
• A work environment that may include dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, loud, or outdoor conditions depending on the assigned area.
• Physical requirements that include standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, frequent bending and kneeling, pushing and pulling equipment, using required PPE, and regularly lifting or handling materials up to 50 pounds.

Disclaimer

The statements provided are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required. Responsibilities and job requirements may change based on business needs. Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as required.

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people.

If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company’s achievement as well.

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Van Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about our culture, our core values, our commitment to success, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it’s our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hardworking, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference.

To all recruitment agencies: Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written and approved search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.