Automation Operator

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and optimizing automated packaging systems within a fast-paced lettuce production environment. This role ensures efficient product flow from harvest to finished goods by managing equipment such as multiheaded weighers (Ishida), conveyors, baggers, label applicators, case packers, and palletizers. The position focuses on maintaining production efficiency, performing equipment setup and basic troubleshooting, and supporting maintenance activities to minimize downtime. 

Additionally, the operator plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance by verifying weights, labeling accuracy, and adhering to GMP and HACCP standards. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively while maintaining sanitation and safety standards in a refrigerated production setting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Equipment Operation & Production Flow

• Scale & System Operation: Set up, monitor, and operate automated packaging equipment, with a specific focus on Ishida multiheaded weighers, conveyor belts, baggers, sealers, labelers, robotic case packers and robotic palletizers. 
• Flow Management: Manage the steady flow of harvested lettuce through conveyor belts and scales into finished goods, ensuring proper pace is kept with machinery. 
• Changeovers & Setup: Perform equipment changeovers and adjust equipment parameters as necessary to optimize throughput, yield, and case configuration. 
• Communication & Data: Enter and maintain daily production data, write basic reports or correspondence, and lead or attend daily shift huddles. 

Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support

• First-Level Troubleshooting: Respond quickly to equipment alarms, faults, jams, and stoppages to minimize operational downtime. 
• Mechanical Adjustments: Diagnose and troubleshoot basic mechanical, pneumatic, and automation-related issues; assist Maintenance Technicians during advanced repairs and preventive maintenance. 
• Proactive Inspection: Conduct routine inspections of the equipment to identify potential opportunities before failure occurs. 

Quality, Food Safety & Sanitation

• Specification Verification: Read scales and check case and individual unit labels to ensure product meets exact customer specifications and weight tolerances. 
• Corrective Action: Determine if product meets proper quality and packaging integrity specifications; take immediate corrective action or reject product as needed. 
• Sanitation & Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and orderly work environment. 
• Compliance Reporting: Adhere strictly to safe work practices, GMP, and HACCP guidelines. Report any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, quality, or personnel to management. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Preferred Education: Technical certification or vocational training in manufacturing, automation, industrial technology, or related field. 
• Experience: 1+ years working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment required. 
• Preferred Experience: 2+ years operating automated packaging equipment—specifically with PLC-controlled systems, robotics, or multiheaded weighers (Ishida strongly preferred)—within an agricultural, greenhouse, or food processing environment. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication, listening, and teamwork skills; ability to interact effectively with direct supervisors and co-workers. 
• Basic mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and an understanding of automated controls/HMI screens. 
• Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently or lead a group. 
• Adaptability to quickly pivot with changes in policy, procedure, production schedules, and technique. 
• Ability to follow complex instructions, accept constructive feedback from managers, and maintain a positive work atmosphere. 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Environmental Tolerance: Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive or monotonous packaging tasks efficiently for extended periods (12-hour shifts) inside a refrigerated environment. 
• Physical Strength: Ability to frequently bend, twist, reach, climb stairs, and lift/carry up to 30 lbs. safely. 
• Scheduling: Must be flexible to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or rotating shifts as required by business needs.