BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!  

 At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees.  We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.  

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with three new regional greenhouse this year.  BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest. 

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, and monitor machines and equipment. They will ensure that product and packaging requirements are met safely, efficiently and with minimal waste. They will inspect harvesting or packaging line processes and materials and respond promptly to any machine malfunctions. They will be responsible for the start up and continuous operation of harvesting and packaging equipment while maintaining efficiencies and assist the department in meeting or exceeding daily production goals. 

The Machine Operator will be expected to prepare seeding, harvesting and/or packaging machines prior to product run including cleaning, sanitizing, and adjusting as needed within the specified guidelines. The machine operator will fill equipment with packaging materials including corrugated boxes, film, trays, and finished product and stack cases on pallets. The operator may also utilize computerized controls on equipment.

General Knowledge and Skills

Performs all duties in compliance with plant rules and practices safety, conduct, sanitation, and good housekeeping.Capable to work from ladders and scaffolding in a safe manner.Capable of operating hand operated MHE such as pallet jacks and stacker unitsWork efficiently and effectively with supervision in a team environmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hearDemonstrate mechanical aptitude, problem solving and decision making skillsAbility to use basic computer software applicationsLegible hand writing requiredAbility to work on a team and interact professionally with others

Duties/Responsibilities

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environmentPerform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operationOperate/monitor specific equipment during operation to ensure quality production and minimal unplanned stopsCommunicate with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materialsWill keep the work area clean and perform housekeeping and sanitation on equipmentInspect raw material and packaging components for defectsTest finished product for leaks, quality seals and accurate labelsPerform basic maintenance activities such as lubrication, inspection, and adjustment

Qualifications

High School diploma or GED0-2 years experience as a machine operator or related experienceKnowledge of GMP/GWPUnderstanding of basic Analytical and Problem Solving skillsMust be a team player and show attention to detailMust be able to work with moderate supervision

Preferred Qualifications

Associates Degree in a technical field or certificationFood or agriculture industry experiencePrevious experience in a manufacturing environment

Working Conditions & Schedule

Greenhouse/Outside/Coolers/Office. Machine Operators will have exposure to seasonal conditions which may range from extreme heat and humidity in the summer to cold in the winter.  Work near moving mechanical parts including in the vicinity of occasional high noise environments is required. You will be working in the Cooler (35F-40F), Greenhouse (75F-85F), and Headhouse (60F-90F) environments for part or all of your shift and will dress accordingly.

1st shift: 6am - 6:30pm

2nd shift: 6pm - 6:30am

*Rotating shift on 2-2-3 schedule (every other weekend is 3 days off)

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to sometimes use hands to finger, handle or feel. Frequently standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing. The lifting requirements to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. The employee should have clear correctable vision at close and distance range, as well as peripheral vision to notice safety hazards.

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.