1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Whitewater, WI

At Emmi Roth, we're passionate about creating exceptional cheeses. As a leader in the specialty cheese industry, we blend traditional craftsmanship with innovation. Our commitment to local sourcing and quality makes us a trusted brand in the food industry.

Joining Emmi Roth means becoming part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence. You'll have the opportunity to work with some of the finest cheeses in the world while contributing to a company that prides itself on both heritage and progress. If you're passionate about food, craftsmanship, and making an impact, we'd love for you to be a part of our journey!

Summary

The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary responsibilities include the setup, operation, and sanitation of packaging equipment in compliance with safety and quality standards. Additionally, you will be responsible for various general labor tasks, such as moving materials within the facility. This position requires excellent technical skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor packaging machinery, including filling, sealing, labeling, and wrapping machines, ensuring proper setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
• Perform routine machine setup, changeovers, and maintenance to ensure uninterrupted production and adherence to quality standards.
• Monitor the packaging process to maintain product quality, including accurate weights, seals, labels, and overall appearance of packaged cheese products.
• Calibrate and adjust equipment settings as needed to maintain efficiency and meet production goals.
• Conducts regular quality checks and completes quality documentation to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Collaborate with team members, such as quality control personnel and production supervisors, to ensure seamless operations and adherence to production schedules.
• Document production data, machine performance, and any operational issues or deviations.
• Perform sanitation duties, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment, work surfaces, and production areas according to established schedules and procedures.
• Adhere to safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe working environment and comply with food safety regulations.
• Assist in general labor tasks, including moving products within the facility, loading and unloading materials, and utilizing electric pallet jacks.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the packaging area and general production areas.
• Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for waste materials, including packaging waste and byproducts.
• Adhere to ERU food safety policies and all government food safety and sanitation regulations (ex. FDA, HACCP, GMP, OSHA)
• Adheres to safety guidelines and complies with all safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Attends safety and department meetings and completes all required training in a timely manner.
• Identifies and reports any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or operational issues promptly to ensure a safe working environment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating packaging machinery in a manufacturing or food processing environment is preferred.
• The ability to safely operate electric pallet jacks.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Physical stamina to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to change.
• Ability to work overtime or extended shifts as needed.

Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and controls.
Frequently required to walk, bend and reach with hands and arms
Constantly required to talk and hear
Constantly sitting for long hours
Constantly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus naturally or with correction.

Please note that these physical requirements are representative but not exhaustive. The actual physical demands may vary depending on the specific tasks and work conditions within the facility.

(Occasionally = 1-25% of the time; Frequently = 26-75% of the time; Constantly = 76-100% of the time)

Work environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is typically performed in an Production Plant Environment.
Occasionally exposed to a moderate level of noise that may make it difficult to concentrate
Occasionally exposed to wet, humid with slippery conditions, hot and cold environment
Frequently traveling to manufacturing sites (50% travel day travel to sites)
Occasional travel outside of Wisconsin including international travel (5%)

(Occasionally = 1-25% of the time; Frequently = 26-75% of the time; Constantly = 76-100% of the time)

Benefits
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible spending accounts & Health Savings Accounts
401k Retirement Plan
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Employee Assistance Program
Short term/Long term disability
Volunteer time off (VTO)
Tuition Reimbursement
Pet insurance