Machine Operator Packer Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA

Who We Are and What We Do
Farmer Focus's mission is to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to consistently producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is rooted in servant leadership, and we live by our Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.
Job Title: Machine Operator
Department: Acorn Operations
Reports To: Acorn Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Acorn Plant
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Shift / Schedule: Full-time
Travel Requirements: N/A
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview / Purpose and Scope
The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining assigned production equipment at Farmer Focus's Acorn packing plant. This role supports safe, efficient, and high-quality production by maintaining strong quality, productivity, and equipment standards while following all safety programs, food safety requirements, and company procedures.
The Machine Operator plays an important role in supporting packing plant operations by identifying mechanical concerns, communicating equipment issues, completing assigned tasks accurately and efficiently, and helping ensure production equipment runs safely and effectively.
Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain assigned machinery and equipment in the Acorn packing plant.

• Maintain superior quality, productivity, and equipment standards for assigned areas and equipment.

• Follow all safety programs, procedures, and company requirements.

• Maintain and test mechanical equipment, machinery, and components.

• Identify parts, equipment, or machines that need new or replacement parts.

• Respond to production area requests when mechanical or equipment issues have been identified.

• Communicate with production management and production team members to diagnose equipment issues and determine potential mechanical problems.

• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment as required.

• Complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently, using time and resources effectively.

• Read and follow lockout/tagout and confined space entry procedures as required.

• Read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings related to the role.

• Support equipment reliability, production flow, and safe plant operations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation
Compensation Range: $19.50
The posted compensation range for this role should reflect the minimum and maximum amount Farmer Focus in good faith expects to pay at the time of posting, based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, market data, and the budgeted amount available for the position.
Benefits: Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members' health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi-subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match, HSA and FSA, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs.
All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.
Qualifications

• General mathematical ability required to perform the job.

• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

• Ability to read and write well enough to safely use lockout/tagout and confined space entry programs.

• Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings.

• Basic knowledge of standard and metric measurements.

• Ability to identify mechanical issues and communicate concerns to production management and team members.

• Ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.

• Ability to work assigned days and shifts, including some weekends.

• Ability to follow safety procedures, production standards, and company policies.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating machinery or production equipment in a manufacturing, food processing, poultry processing, packing, or production environment.

• Experience performing basic preventive maintenance.

• Basic mechanical aptitude or experience identifying equipment issues.

• Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry procedures, or production safety programs.

• Willingness to work within the framework of the Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.

New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.
Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel
Work is conducted primarily in a manufacturing and poultry packing environment at the Acorn Plant. This role requires regular access to the production environment and assigned equipment areas. The team member must be able to tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions within the plant. Hearing and eye protective equipment are required in the production area. Hair and beard nets are required in the production area. Additional personal protective equipment may be required based on task, location, and safety requirements. This position may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, using tools, working near machinery, and performing tasks in a fast-paced production environment. The role may require working assigned days and shifts, including some weekends.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.
Recruiter and Agency Disclaimer
Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted by staffing agencies, recruiters, or search firms to any Farmer Focus employee without a current written agreement and an active, role-specific request from the Recruiting team will be considered the property of Farmer Focus. Farmer Focus will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume or candidate profile.
All external recruiters and agency partners supporting Farmer Focus searches must comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including compensation transparency requirements and restrictions on seeking salary history where applicable.
About Farmer Focus
Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better.
EOE, including disability/vets
Farmer Focus is committed to the principles of equal employment and to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is inclusive and equitable, free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based upon an individual's age, race (including traits historically associated with race, which includes hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), military status (including status as a uniformed servicemember, a veteran, or dependent of a servicemember), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Farmer Focus is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.