Manufacturing Operator I/ Sanitation - *Urgently Hiring* 3rd Shift

About Amy's

At Amy's Kitchen, we're more than just a food company- we're a family-owned, proudly independent organic, and vegetarian food company on a mission. As a Certified B Corporation, our purpose is clear: to make it simple and enjoyable for everyone to eat well.

We're committed to crafting authentic, mouthwatering dishes using only the finest organic ingredients sourced with care. From farm to table, we ensure top-notch quality in every bite, making healthy eating accessible and convenient for all. At Amy's, we're not just serving meals; we're serving up a taste of goodness, one delicious dish at a time.

Shift: 3rd

Pay: $21.50/hr, plus $1.50/hr for 3rd shift = total $23.00/hr total

Hours: 9:00pm to 5:30am, Mon to Fri, occasional weekend work

Location: 441 West Antelope Rd. White City, OR 97503

Amy's Perks:

* A fun and safe atmosphere where teamwork is encouraged

* Weeks of on-the-job training for your new role

* Discount on Amy's products

* Opportunities to grow and advance your career

* Competitive compensation and benefits package

* Affordable Amy's meals on-site for lunch and dinner

* Bonus incentives based on attendance and safety

* Referral Bonuses

* Safety Shoe Program, covered by Amy's

* 401k program (up to 4% contribution matching after 1 year)

* Parental Leave Program

* Education reimbursement; scholarship Program

* Paid Time Off (PTO) and Unpaid Time Off options

The Manufacturing Operator I is responsible for safely operating and monitoring production equipment while ensuring compliance with operating procedures, food safety requirements, quality standards, and company policies. This role requires a strong understanding of equipment operation, production processes, product quality standards, and overall line performance.

Operators run and monitor automated production equipment, including systems controlled by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other computerized technologies. They must understand control panel functions, operating sequences, standard operating procedures, and basic troubleshooting techniques to maintain efficient production and minimize downtime.

This position requires an understanding of how equipment and processes work together throughout the production line. Operators monitor production flow, identify bottlenecks or performance issues, and make adjustments to support efficiency while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.

Manufacturing Operator I employees troubleshoot equipment and process issues, perform assigned preventive maintenance activities, and partner with Maintenance personnel to resolve mechanical problems. They are responsible for communicating equipment concerns, process deviations, and operational issues to Supervisors, Shift Leaders, Team Leaders, and Mechanics.

Operators are also responsible for monitoring applicable Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Preventive Controls to ensure compliance with food safety requirements. These controls may include: cook times and temperatures, metal detection systems, canning requirements, cooling processes, barcode verification, line clearances, sanitation procedures, product traceability, and material usage controls.

In addition, operators clean and sanitize production equipment following each production run. Equipment may include holding kettles, fillers, displacers, seamers, can washers, and conveyor systems. Operators perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures, maintain equipment cleanliness, comply with environmental monitoring requirements, and accurately complete all required documentation and records.

Equipment typically operated by Manufacturing Operator I level employees include:

• Zacmi Canning Line
• Rotomat Retort System

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manufacturing Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of production equipment and processes. Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Production Operations

• Set up, start up, and verify proper operation of production equipment at the beginning of each shift.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment, including metal detectors, pocket fillers, piston fillers, coding systems, check weighers, and retort/sterilizer equipment.
• Continuously monitor production line performance and recognize changes in equipment operation, product flow, process conditions, or thermal process requirements.
• Maintain required product temperatures, weights, and operating parameters to ensure product specifications are met.
• Monitor supply levels, request materials as needed, and ensure the correct materials are used during production.
• Stop equipment and shut down production lines when necessary to protect employee safety, product quality, or equipment integrity.

Equipment Monitoring & Troubleshooting

• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment functions, components, operating procedures, and computerized control systems.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and perform routine corrective actions, including addressing sensor faults, product jams, and equipment recalibration as appropriate.
• Promptly communicate equipment failures and operational concerns to Maintenance and production leadership.
• Notify Supervisor, Shift Leader or maintenance of machine malfunctions, process deviations, quality concerns, or safety issues.

Quality & Food Safety

• Operate equipment in compliance with food safety requirements, quality standards, and established operating procedures.
• Perform visual inspections to verify product identification, coding, labeling, and date information.
• Monitor and maintain product quality standards throughout the production process.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.

Documentation & Inventory Control

• Accurately complete all required production, quality, food safety, inventory, and operational records.
• Process inventory transactions and production activities using Oracle Forms, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and other company systems.
• Reconcile inventory locations and maintain accurate inventory records.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with Production, Kitchen/Kettle Deck, Packaging, Warehouse, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Management personnel.
• Follow detailed verbal and written instructions and provide clear, accurate information to team members and other departments.
• Contribute positively to a team-oriented work environment and support departmental goals and objectives.

Safety, Housekeeping & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment through routine housekeeping and sanitation activities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Demonstrate effective time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills while meeting production expectations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that support safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy's Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties of the position and consistently meet performance expectations. Employees must follow all company policies, safety requirements, quality standards, and food safety regulations; maintain accurate documentation and records; and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must have at least 6-12 months experience with Amy's operations or demonstrated previous manufacturing operator experience and 6-12 months experience of experience as Manufacturing Operator II or equivalent experience in a similar manufacturing working environment.

Must be familiar with the mechanical and computerized operations of the following stations: Pocket Filler, Retort/Sterilizer, and Zacmi Main Control Panel (Bridge).

Must be knowledgeable in the operation and functionality of all Zacmi production line components, including Pocket Fillers 1 and 2, Automatic Weight Checker, Piston Filler, Vacuum Filler, Seamer, Can Washer/Dryer, Holding Kettles, Videojet Coding System, and CLE Conveyors.

Must successfully complete and receive a passing grade on all examinations administered as part of the Principles of Thermal Process Control, Acidification, and Container Closure Evaluation course, also known as Better Process Control School (BPCS).

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Read, understand, and follow complex written instructions, procedures, and production requirements.
• Accurately complete production, quality, and operational forms and documentation.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding production activities, equipment issues, and operational concerns.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members to maintain workflow, resolve problems, and optimize production performance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required to support safe operations, product quality, and effective teamwork.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

To perform this position successfully, the individual must possess basic mathematical skills necessary to support production, quality, and operational requirements. The employee must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals accurately; calculate percentages and perform basic mathematical conversions as required; interpret and record numerical data related to production, quality, inventory, and process control activities; perform routine calculations necessary for equipment operation, product specifications, and production reporting; and verify measurements, counts, weights, and other numerical information for accuracy.

REASONING ABILITY

• Apply common-sense understanding to accurately carry out detailed written, verbal, and operational instructions.
• Analyze and resolve problems involving multiple variables, changing priorities, and production conditions.
• Identify, evaluate, and respond appropriately to equipment, process, quality, and operational issues.
• Make informed decisions within established procedures while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Accurately document events, process deviations, corrective actions, and operational concerns to effectively communicate information to other shifts, supervisors, and team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to perform physical activities essential to the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment.

The employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift; perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and repetitive hand and arm movements; reach, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as necessary to operate, inspect, clean, and maintain equipment; lift, carry, push, pull, and/or move materials, products, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, including frequent lifting as required; and work in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to manufacturing and production environments that may include moving mechanical equipment, varying temperatures, and other industrial conditions. The employee may be required to work in proximity to moving mechanical parts and automated production equipment; work in wet and/or humid conditions during production, cleaning, and sanitation activities; enter and work in refrigerated and freezer storage areas as needed to move materials, ingredients, or finished products; work around equipment and processes that generate heat, including cooking, sterilization, and packaging systems; be exposed to varying noise levels typical of a manufacturing environment; and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety and food safety procedures.