Title: Senior Machine Operator

Reports To: Production Manager

Location: Delray Beach, FL

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 duties of the Senior Machine Operator include but are not limited to operating high-speed machines, troubleshooting, weekly PM, repairs as directed by Manager or Maintenance Manager. Cleaning machines, training associates, filling in as needed due to staffing availability, and ensuring the quality of bags produced by all machine operators. Fostering a culture of continuous improvement by identifying bottlenecks, reducing equipment downtime, and optimizing the quality, efficiency, and yield of production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain equipment preventive maintenance (Scales and Baggers).
• Maintain on-hand inventory for consumable parts, sensors, wear parts.
• Perform bench work rebuilds on Jaw assemblies, horizontal and vertical seal assembly, roller bearings.
• Troubleshoot and make small repairs to Scale and Bagger when line is down.
• Develop and provide a PM schedule.  
• Work with the Production Manager to schedule required PM.
• Change blades
• Grease machines
• Comply with the critical settings on machine settings
• Maintain on-hand tools for Operators. 
• Proper handling/storage of blades
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and participate in root-cause analysis (RCA) to implement corrective actions that help prevent recurring downtime.
• Monitor and minimize material waste (e.g., film and product scrap) and identify opportunities to optimize machine changeover and setup times.
• Support the training and development of operators and the standardization of operating procedures (SOPs) to promote consistent performance across shifts.
• Actively participate in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives and recommend mechanical or procedural improvements to increase line efficiency and OEE.
• Follows all safety policies/procedures, particularly lockout/tagout procedures
• Follows attendance policy and other company policies/procedures
• Responsible for company provided hand tools.
• Responsible for training of all operators. Works with production leadership on learning opportunities. 
• Provide feedback to leadership when associate has reached learning ability.
• Provide coverage when staffing is an issue.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

This position requires 1 year of experience with a vertical form fill bagging machine. This position requires 1-3 years of general work experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. High school Diploma or GED preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Prior production/manufacturing machine operation experience preferred
• Previous experience within a high-speed industrial environment preferred
• Ability to operate manufacturing equipment is necessary
• Knowledge of industrial technology is a plus
• Understanding of the English language
• Demonstrated ability to identify process inefficiencies and contribute to effective problem-solving and improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) concepts is highly preferred.
• Need basic math skills and reading comprehension.
• Mechanically inclined.
• Willing to take 3rd party training as needed to improve skill level.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Onsite position in a food production/manufacturing environment
• Operation of high-speed production machinery
• Regular handling of sharp blades and cutting equipment
• Constant exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals (e.g., chlorine)
• Exposure to product fumes such as onions, peppers, and other produce
• Required to work overtime as business needs dictate
• Must follow all safety policies and procedures, including lockout/tagout
• Working in a wet and cold room environment for long periods.
• Working with hand tools and electrical parts.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent use of hands for firm grasping and fine motor tasks
• Repetitive use of feet to operate power equipment
• Frequent lifting and carrying of items weighing 5 to 50 pounds
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
• Occasionally to frequent kneeling, squatting, and reaching above shoulder level
• Occasional repetitive hand motions
• Occasional use of cutting utensils such as knives and peelers

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k) 
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.