Machine Operator

About Firestone Pacific Foods

Firestone Pacific Foods (FPF) grows, freezes and packs frozen fruit products on behalf of food retailers and foodservice companies in the United States and overseas. Our fruit is harvested at the peak of ripeness, processed and packed in our state-of-the-art shipment facilities with a keen attention to quality and food safety. The Firestone Family began farming in Vancouver, WA, in 1896. In 2019, an impact investment fund managed by Agriculture Capital acquired FPF to build out a low cost, vertically integrated supply chain of high quality, organic blueberries operating at scale to address growing global demand for this nutritious fruit.

About the Role

The Machine Operator assists in the proper set up of all plant production equipment prior to starting production. This position works directly with the Shift Lead to ensure all production equipment is working as intended. The Machine Operator monitors and reports all production equipment performance to the Shift Lead and is responsible for providing and maintaining production equipment with proper materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up production equipment and materials needed before starting production run, typically 1 hour before.
• Set up and monitor the following equipment:
  • Bag Machines
  • Optical Sorters
  • X-ray and Metal Detectors
  • Tape Machines and Inkjets
  • All other required equipment
• Make minor adjustments to production equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Report all necessary repairs and/or requests directly to Maintenance personnel.
• Work under the guidance of the Production Manager to perform and complete all production schedules and tasks.
• Monitor and maintain production equipment with proper materials.
• Identify and report unsafe operations to the Production Manager immediately.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production environment.
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies for operating production equipment.
• Operate lift trucks and other vehicles to safely move and place production equipment as needed.
• Comply with company policies and procedures.
• Perform quality checks of Metal Detector, Bag Weights, and Label Verification.
• Perform all finished product quality grading checks.
• Ensure bags are sealed and in a sellable state coming out of the production machinery.
• Escalate any quality concerns or issues immediately to the shift lead and operations supervisor.

Requirements

• Ability to operate technical equipment.
• Good communication skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Accurate attention to detail.
• Ability to adjust quickly.
• Forklift certification.
• Must be able to read and write English.
• Basic understanding of computers and operating software.
• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, or irregular hours, especially during the fresh processing season.
• Passion for great tasting and nutritious fruit products, including smoothies, is a plus.

Benefits

• Eight (8) paid holidays.
• Full-time, non-exempt employees accrue eight (8) days of PTO per year.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Medical insurance: United Health Care.
• Dental insurance: Principal.
• Vision insurance: Principal (company covers 100% of premium for employees).
• 401(k) plan: company matches up to 4% of employee’s base compensation.
• Discounted bus passes.