What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machine Operator- 3rd Shift position at East West Tea Company LLC?
Title of Role: Machine Operator
Department: Tea Direct Labor 2980
Reports to: Production Supervisor
FLSA Designation: Hourly/Non-exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
Supervision Received/Exercised: No direct supervision exercised
East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Machine Operator to join our Manufacturing team. Machine Operators have sharp attention to detail and strong focus to ensure quality in the tea manufacturing process. Following strict GMP’s and food safety guidelines, Machine Operators, observe, inspect, monitor and track high-speed packaging machines to ensure all tea products are expertly crafted to specification.
Role Summary
Machine Operators follow specific processes to manufactured tea products in compliance with CFR 111, dietary supplement regulations. A Machine Operator functions within a team-style work environment to accurately follow procedures, track quality standards, apply expert knowledge to keep machinery running and complete documentation throughout the production process.
Role Responsibilities:
Essential functions of the role, but are not limited to the following:
Machine Operation 70 % of time
• Runs equipment to meet or exceed standard production rates with minimal packaging material scrap.
• Communicates any hazards or unsafe actions to the supervisor, lead, or maintenance immediately.
• Replenishes supplies, such as overwrap, boxes, cartons, glue, wire, filter paper or labels.
• Can understand, interpret, and act on conditions out of tolerance.
• Follow company policies and procedures, safety practices and GMP’s.
• Rotate workstations often for variety and training opportunities – including conveyors, automated case packing, Mespic system, upper mezzanine, and manual packing assignments as needed.
• Stand in for breaks and filling personnel gaps.
Quality Monitoring 30 % of time
• Continually inspect tea bags and finished products to ensure that the product stream stays clean, error free, within specification, food safe and of high quality.
• Observes machine operation to detect problems that impact quality.
• Ensures that reporting and tracking is complete, accurate and timely.
• Performs quality checks within allotted time frame.
Other duties as assigned by Leads and Supervisors.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
• Following instructions precisely.
• Operating high-speed packaging equipment.
• Communication, teamwork, and documentation.
Ability to:
• Understand and retain instructions and knowledge.
• Basic math and mechanical reasoning, problem solving, and issue resolution.
• Attention to detail while accurately completing work tasks.
• Familiarity with computers and proprietary software.
• Operation of pallet jack and forklift (if trained and authorized).
• Focus on safety, quality, GMP’s, and company procedures.
• Work effectively with coworkers toward a common goal, in a constructive and positive manner, and respect coworkers in actions and communication.
• Communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Flexibility to work other shift/hours as needed. Overtime may be required.
Talent:
Motivation & Work Style:
• Solid work ethic, self-starter, and result oriented.
• High level for attention to detail.
Relationship & Collaboration:
• Ability to develop relationships within a team environment.
Thought Process:
• Ability to verify the process and elevate items for review to perspective departments.
Work Environment:
• Continuous production environment exposure which includes noise, dust, moving machinery, forklifts, and fluctuations in temperature.
Physical Requirements:
• Standing and walking on a cement surface for the entire shift.
• Must be able to occasionally lift 45 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Stand, walk, climb stairs on a frequent basis.
• Dress code includes hairnet and/or beard net and company issued uniforms.
Minimum Requirements:
• 2 years’ experience in a manufacturing production environment.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Must be able to attend work on a regular and reliable basis; show up on time and work overtime and weekends when requested.
Employer Statement:
East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each persons’ individuality and unique talents. It is the strength of our people and our guiding principle that have contributed to East West Tea’s leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.
