Machine Operator Herbs - Natural Grocers

Job in a Nutshell:

The Machine Operator 1 is responsible for the daily setup and operation of mechanical and electrical food packaging equipment at the Distribution Center for Natural Grocers.  Machinery includes, but is not limited to, bulk foods tumblers, scales, automated baggers and wrappers, metal detectors, P&A labelers and case sealers.

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

10/03/2024

Main Ingredients: 

Key responsibilities include the following essential functions, but are not limited to:

1. Set up, calibrate, monitor and adjust food processing and packaging equipment prior to daily operation
2. Stage, inspect, and process raw material according to schedule
3. Complete all required documentation for changeovers, cleaning, and product specifications
4. Maintain standard efficiency and accuracy of equipment and manual tasks
5. Verify information and print quality on all labels
6. Maintain shift log of production runs and other data
7. Record production metrics such as quantity, weight, size, date and type of products packaged
8. Check products and packages for defects; ensure conformance to company standards
9. Maintain production machinery and perform routine cleaning, adjustments and troubleshooting to ensure efficient performance of equipment
10. Identify any problems with production machinery and report to Team Lead and Maintenance for repair
11. May be required to disassemble equipment to prepare for cleaning
12. Responsible for completion and accuracy of all orders filled
13. Participate in functional training of coworkers as needed to maintain efficiency and position coverage during operation
14. Perform all tasks in a manner that promotes safety of crew members
15. Perform all tasks in compliance with Food Safety standards
16. Follow all SSOP’s, Organic, Allergen and HACCP standards.
17. Clean machines daily to maintain an organic and allergen/sanitary environment

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success: 

Education, Skills & Experience:

1. Minimum 1 year recent experience in operating food production machinery preferred
2. Knowledge of good manufacturing practices in food production preferred
3. Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions as provided
4. Must have good attention to detail, including accuracy and thoroughness
5. Basic computer skills required; working knowledge of production systems
6. Must be team-oriented and flexible to changing demands
7. Ability to rotate through all work stations in the processing area
8. Ability to work with others in a fast-paced team environment
9. Must be reliable and on time every day
10. Able to work in seasonally warm or cool environment
11. Mechanical aptitude/skills preferred

Physical Requirements:

1. Must have the ability to lift 40 lb., and repetitive lifting of up to 40 lbs.
2. Must be able to carry up to 40 lb.
3. Must be able to work full time, 40 hours per week
4. Requires the use of both arms and both hands with full range of motion.
5. Must be able to bend at the waist and knees, twist, push and pull on occasional basis
6. Must be able to kneel, squat, and climb as needed
7. Must be able to reach overhead and away from the body
8. Must be able to stand for at least 90% of the time for 10-hour shifts
9. Must be able to walk for at least 90% of the time
10. Must be able to see colors and view computer monitors for extended periods.
11. Must have ability to assemble small objects
12. Must have ability to work around raw spices and allergenic foods

This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

1. Must have the ability to constantly lift or carry up to 10 lbs., frequently lift or carry up to 11-50 lbs., and occasionally lift or carry 51-100 lbs.
2. Must have the ability to frequently push or pull up to 30 lbs. and occasionally push or pull 31-100 lbs.
3. Requires the use of both arms and both hands with full range of motion.
4. Must be able to occasionally use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
5. Must be able to constantly walk, stand, use fine motor manipulations, grip, bend, twist, turn, and reach above chest for the duration of the work shift.
6. Must be able to frequently reach outward.
7. Must be able to occasionally sit, squat, kneel, and climb as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

1. Must be able to frequently work sharp tools and equipment, dust, fumes, and in a congested worksite.
2. Must be able to occasionally work in cold, heat, wet, humid, noise, outside, heights, and contact stress.

All Crew Members

• Birthday Bonus Pay 
• Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually) 
• Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
• Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure 
• Paid Nutrition Education 
• good4u Crew Member Discount  
• {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program) 
• Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases  
• Advancement Opportunities and Career Development 
• Health and Wellness Program  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   
• Employee Referral Program

Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Parental Leave  
• Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance) 
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance  
• Company Paid Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance   
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match  
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match 

Diversity Statement

At the heart of Natural Grocers' commitment to our community and crew is this belief: All people should be empowered to experience health and wellbeing! We cannot be true to this conviction without honoring diversity and cultivating inclusion throughout every aspect of our organization.

At Natural Grocers, we honor our differences, embrace diversity, and cultivate inclusion because both individual and societal health are rooted in these principles. Our Crew is diverse not only in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and age but also in cultural backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas. Celebrating our diversity refreshes, expands, and shapes our perspective, energizing our mission of equitable access to health and wellness for all. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in this mission, with gratitude for the unique life experience each person brings to the table. We’re committed to nurturing an ecosystem of diversity and inclusion in which our Crew can continue to thrive.

Physical Capabilities and Environmental Demands:

Physical and Environmental Demands:                              

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

Must have the ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs.

Must have the ability to occasionally push or pull up to 30 lbs.

Must be able to constantly use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.

Must be able to constantly sit, use fine motor manipulations, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.

Must be able to frequently grip, bend, twist, and turn.

Must be able to occasionally walk, stand, squat, kneel, and reach above chest as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

Must be able to work occasionally with cold, heat, sharp tools and equipment, noise, contact stress, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.