Machine Operator Packer Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

THE ROLE 

The Greenhouse Lead supports the Greenhouse Supervisor by directing daily greenhouse operations and leading Greenhouse Production Assistants and Greenhouse Machine Operators. This position leads and coaches employees, coordinates production flow, promotes employee and food safety, maintains plant-quality and documentation standards, oversees equipment setup, and communicates production, staffing, and equipment updates. The role also helps maintain clean, organized, and production-ready greenhouse work areas. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

Team Leadership and Training

• Lead and manage Greenhouse Production Assistants and Greenhouse Machine Operators on seeding, transplanting, and transfers in accordance with quality standards and company work instructions. 

• Lead by example to maintain a positive and productive work environment. 

• Monitor and motivate the team to meet the production crop schedule. 

• Provide general coaching and feedback to improve individual and team performance, and escalate concerns to the Greenhouse Supervisor when necessary. 

 Employee and Food Safety Compliance 

• Follow the facility GMPs. 

• Execute daily processes that enforce food safety protocols and maintain compliance. 

• Support the efforts of the company to maintain our food safety system and quality programs. 

• Report GMP, food safety policy, and workplace safety or OSHA violations to the Greenhouse Supervisor to help maintain a safe and productive work environment. 

• Ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of greenhouse equipment, workstations, and storage areas. 

• Monitor for signs of plant disease or cross-contamination and report concerns to the Greenhouse Supervisor. 

• Understand the documentation required for each process and accurately complete grow logs, sanitation logs, and transfer tags. 

 Production and Efficiency 

• Maintain smooth production flow by coordinating with the Greenhouse Supervisor, supporting an appropriate product supply to the packhouse, and maintaining greenhouse material inventory. 

• Oversee accurate execution of daily production schedules and coordinate necessary adjustments to meet order requirements or approved schedule changes. 

• Minimize downtime and support continuous operations, including assigning routine gutter-emitter checks and alignment. 

• Work with Greenhouse Machine Operators to ensure proper equipment setup and operation, including Ellepot machine settings. 

• Track productivity measures, including seeding times, transplant and transfer counts, and overall production efficiency, and routinely share progress with the Greenhouse Supervisor. 

 Coordination and Communication 

• Collaborate with the Harvest and Packhouse Leads to maintain a steady product supply for packing. 

• Coordinate with the Greenhouse Supervisor to establish efficient break and lunch schedules. 

• Communicate daily with the Greenhouse Supervisor about production performance, employee efficiency, and equipment troubleshooting. 

• Manage the gutter-cleaning process to support daily production needs. 

• Prepare the greenhouse at the end of each shift to ensure readiness for the following day. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• Desire to grow and expand knowledge of food safety rules and regulations. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 

• Ability to stand for an 8-hour shift. 

• Valid authorization to work in the United States. 

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities 

• Ability to lead by example, motivate employees, and provide clear coaching and feedback. 

• Ability to coordinate seeding, transplanting, transfers, inventory, and equipment activities while maintaining production flow. 

• Ability to communicate food safety, employee safety, plant-quality, staffing, and equipment concerns promptly. 

• Ability to maintain accurate greenhouse, sanitation, quality-control, and system records. 

• Ability to use production data to identify bottlenecks and recommend operational improvements. 

• Ability to learn and use assigned scheduling, production, and ERP systems and troubleshoot greenhouse equipment. 

WHO WE ARE 

Gotham Greens is on a mission to transform how and where fresh produce is grown. We are a pioneer in urban indoor agriculture and a leading fresh produce and food company. Through our national network of local high-tech farms, Gotham Greens delivers fresh, long-lasting and delicious leafy greens, herbs, salad dressings and pesto dips. all year round to retail, restaurant and foodservice customers. Founded in 2009, the company opened its first greenhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y., shortly thereafter. Today, Gotham Greens operates +1,500,000 square feet of high-tech greenhouse in 12 locations across nine U.S. states. 

Our team of 600+ full time team members are hard-working, supportive and passionate about sustainable urban agriculture. We work to create an environment that is caring, fun and collaborative. Gotham Greens is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicant interest only; please no external recruiters. 

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