Utility Operator (Brooks)

mars; Missouri; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Petcare (Greenies) is seeking a Utility Operator for our North Kansas City, MO location. This full-time role supports packaging, forklift operations, inventory tracking, and general administrative tasks within a climate-controlled manufacturing environment.

No prior commercial manufacturing experience required; military experience, technical aptitude, leadership, and a strong work ethic are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Forklift or MHE experience required (military licensing transferable).
• Strong verbal and written communication; able to direct temporary associates.
• Basic computer skills; iPads or mobile inventory apps a plus.
• Basic math and measuring skills; hands-on physical work.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team; coachable with a positive attitude.
• High resilience and adaptability to changing production schedules or tasks.

Responsibilities

• Move raw ingredients and work-in-progress safely using forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Build, fill, weigh, and label pallets and totes for packaging or storage.
• Conduct inventory audits, cycle counts, and administrative documentation.
• Provide informal leadership to temporary associates during daily production.
• Champion Food Safety & Quality culture in actions and work practices.
• Perform routine sanitation and keep the manufacturing area clean and safe.

Skills

Forklift Experience

Verbal & Written Communication

Basic Math & Measuring

Teamwork

Adaptability

Tech Literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

iPads / Mobile Inventory Tracking

Job description

Job Description:

Job: Utility Operator

Shift: Days (6am - 6:30pm)

Location: Mars Petcare (North Kansas City, MO)

Position Type: Full-Time, Climate-Controlled Manufacturing Environment

About Mars Petcare (Greenies)

Mars Petcare (Greenies) is proud to hire, train, and support transitioning military service members and veterans. Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity-the opportunity to transition your military leadership, discipline, and technical skills into challenging, meaningful work that shapes the world's best-loved brands.

At Mars, you will work with real purpose, supported by talented, collaborative teams from diverse backgrounds. We provide access to premier tools, technical training, and career pathing to ensure your civilian transition is a success. Being a Mars associate is more than a job-it's the opportunity to start your tomorrow today.

Position Overview

The Utility Operator is responsible for general packaging, forklift operations, inventory tracking, administrative tasks, and supporting basic manufacturing production. This role has a strong focus on team coordination, physical logistics, and maintaining rigid food safety and quality standards.

No previous commercial manufacturing experience is required; we highly value military experience, technical aptitude, leadership, and a strong work ethic.

What Are We Looking For? (Requirements)

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Forklift Experience: Forklift or Material Handling Equipment (MHE) experience is required (military equipment licensing is fully transferrable).
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to direct and guide temporary associates.
• Technology: Basic computer skills-experience with iPads or mobile inventory tracking applications is a plus.
• Aptitude: Basic math and measuring skills; enjoys hands-on physical work and troubleshooting.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, structured team environment; coachable with a positive attitude.
• Adaptability: High degree of resilience and adaptability to changing production schedules or tasks.

Physical Requirements

Ability to safely lift up to 40 lbs.

Full mobility to climb stairs, ladders, and operate safely in confined or elevated manufacturing spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Logistics & Material Handling: Move raw ingredients and work-in-progress products safely using forklifts, pallet jacks, and manual handling equipment.
• Build, fill, weigh, and label pallets and totes to prepare them for packaging or storage.
• Inventory & Operations Support: Conduct inventory audits, cycle counts, and administrative documentation to ensure supply accuracy.
• Provide informal leadership and direction to temporary associates throughout the daily production process.
• Quality, Safety, & Sanitation: Champion a strict Food Safety & Quality Culture in actions, words, and spirit.
• Perform routine equipment sanitation and workspace organization to maintain a pristine, food-safe manufacturing environment.
• Wear standard Mars-issued uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Preventative Maintenance: Conduct basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance tasks (CILs: Clean, Inspect, Lubricate) on production machinery.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Crosswalk

Your military training has prepared you exceptionally well for this role. Below is a guide mapping specific military occupations, ratings, and designators that possess highly transferrable skills for this position.

• U.S. Army
• MOS 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist): Exceptional alignment with warehouse operations, automated inventory tracking, loading/unloading, forklift operations, and equipment auditing.
• MOS 92Y (Unit Supply Specialist): Excellent transferrable skills in property accountability, supply chain management, shipping/receiving, and inventory control.
• MOS 68R (Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist): Direct translation to Mars' strict food safety culture, sanitation audits, temperature checks, packaging inspections, and quality assurance.
• MOS 68J (Medical Logistics Specialist): Highly applicable background in medical/subsistence supply control, operating forklifts, loading/unloading, and inventory management.
• MOS 91B / 88M / 12N (Mechanical, Transportation, and Heavy Equipment Specialists): Directly translates to machinery operations, PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services), mechanical troubleshooting, and safety protocols.
• U.S. Navy
• LS / LSS (Logistics Specialist / Logistics Specialist Submarine): Strong fit for inventory database management, warehouse operations, receipt/issue, supply chain audits, and hazardous material safety.
• HM (Hospital Corpsman - Preventive Medicine): Exceptional crossover for quality assurance, sanitation tracking, facility hygiene inspections, safety compliance, and food safety protocols.
• EO (Equipment Operator): Proven capability in heavy forklift operations, high safety standa