Title: Machine Operator

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Location: Hanover, PA

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

POSITION SUMMARY

The End-of-Line (EOL) Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and supporting automated packaging equipment at the end of the production line. This position requires hands-on experience with Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) equipment and/or FSW bagging systems and plays an important role in maintaining product quality, package integrity, production efficiency, and food safety standards. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) and FSW bagging equipment according to product specifications and production requirements.
• Perform start-up, shutdown, product changeover, and end-of-run procedures for assigned packaging equipment.
• Load and properly thread packaging film and ensure correct film alignment through the bagging system.
• Monitor bag formation, sealing, cutting, filling, and discharge to ensure packages consistently meet established quality standards.
• Adjust machine settings including bag length, seal temperature, timing, film tracking, product fill, and line speed within approved operating parameters.
• Monitor finished packages for proper weight, seal integrity, appearance, coding, labeling, and overall package quality.
• Identify and correct common packaging equipment issues including film tracking problems, poor seals, improperly formed bags, jams, product feeding issues, and inconsistent package presentation.
• Monitor the flow of finished product through conveyors, baggers, checkweighers, metal detectors, labelers, case-packing equipment, and other end-of-line systems as assigned.
• Ensure the correct packaging materials, labels, film, cases, and production supplies are available for scheduled production runs.
• Perform routine machine inspections and basic operator-level preventive maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of wear components as required.
• Complete product and packaging changeovers efficiently while minimizing production downtime and material waste.
• Communicate equipment malfunctions or recurring performance issues to Maintenance, Production Leadership, and Quality personnel.
• Maintain accurate production, downtime, quality, waste, and equipment documentation as required.
• Clean and sanitize assigned machinery and surrounding production areas according to established sanitation and food-safety procedures.
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements when applicable.
• Follow all GMP, food safety, quality, sanitation, and production procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and other team members to maintain continuous production flow.
• Follow attendance requirements and all other company policies and procedures.
• Perform additional production or packaging duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience operating Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) packaging equipment, FSW baggers, or comparable automated bagging equipment required.
• 1–3 years of experience in food manufacturing, packaging, production, or a high-speed manufacturing environment preferred.
• Previous experience performing packaging equipment setup, changeovers, film changes, machine adjustments, and basic troubleshooting strongly preferred.
• Experience working with automated packaging lines, conveyors, checkweighers, metal detectors, printers/coders, or related end-of-line equipment is preferred.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of VFFS and/or FSW bagging equipment and automated packaging processes.
• Ability to independently set up, operate, monitor, and make approved adjustments to packaging machinery.
• Ability to recognize and troubleshoot common bagging issues including film tracking, sealing problems, jams, incorrect bag formation, and inconsistent product flow.
• Understanding of packaging quality requirements, including proper seals, weights, labels, date/lot codes, and package appearance.
• Ability to perform machine and product changeovers in a fast-paced production environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify basic equipment problems before they result in extended downtime.
• Ability to follow machine specifications, standard operating procedures, production schedules, and food-safety requirements.
• Basic math skills and reading comprehension required.
• Ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and supervisory personnel.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a production team.
• Experience in a high-speed food manufacturing or fresh produce packaging environment is highly preferred.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the production shift.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling packaging materials, operating controls, and performing machine adjustments.
• Frequently lifting and carrying materials weighing approximately 5 to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, and working around production and packaging equipment.
• May perform repetitive hand and arm movements associated with packaging and production operations.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment and high-speed production machinery.
• May work in refrigerated, wet, or temperature-controlled food production environments.
• Exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals, including chlorine-based products and other approved food-processing chemicals.
• Potential exposure to fresh produce fumes or odors, including onions, peppers, and other vegetables.
• Must be able to work overtime, weekends, or extended shifts as production needs require.
• Must follow all required PPE, GMP, food safety, and equipment safety requirements.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive compensation
• Generous Matching 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunities for training, development, and career growth
• Stable employment with a long-standing, family-owned organization

Pero Family Farms reserves the right to alter, amend, expand, or modify these duties and responsibilities as business and operational needs evolve.