CA Machine Operator

Join the Fresh Revolution with F&S Fresh Foods!

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada —every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers—from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh—from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you’re ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we’re planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the safe operation, efficiency, quality, and overall productivity of their assigned machine(s) to meet daily production goals and requirements by performing routine duties. Machinery may include controls, conveyers, depositors, sealers, weigh machines, slicers, mixers, and other common food factory machinery.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Machine Operators perform a range of duties from setup, alignment, setting controls, test runs, setting gauges or measurements, selecting pre-set programs, checking weights, ensuring proper label placement, sealing, cuts, etc. in accordance with product specifications and food safety requirements.

Job Description:

• Prepares machine for startup of production and oversees daily operation in compliance with safe operating procedures. 
• Participates in product test runs as needed. 
• Monitors product flow, production speeds, and machine settings, alignment, tooling, and controls to produce the highest quality production that meets specifications and food safety requirements.
• Responsible for paying special attention to abnormal sounds or appearances coming from the machine and taking proper action.
• May troubleshoot machinery issues to determine is adjustment or maintenance is needed.
• Applies and follows all company safety policies including lockout, tag out, and other OSHA regulations.
• Maintains a sanitary work environment, ensures changeovers are completed timely with the proper equipment and machinery.
• Adheres to all good manufacturing practices and food safety policies including the company's CCP's.
• Identifies any foreign objects that may break the machine or put the product at risk. Such items could relate to packaging, seeds, agriculture waste, plastics, metals or other foreign body objects.
• Identifies and reports any broken parts on the machine such as sensors, rollers, blades, etc.. May initiate Maintenance service requests.
• Turns off the main power source at the end of the day or when the machine is not in use in compliance with safe operating procedures.
• Responsible for paying special attention to abnormal sounds or appearances coming from the machine and taking proper action to maintain machinery in good working order.
• Performs proper blade checks on the machine every two hours throughout the workday and takes proper action.
• May support production Associates with changeovers and other routine tasks when the line is operating. 
• Notifies management when preventive maintenance is needed.
• Routinely communicates with the Maintenance and Operations teams to keep everyone informed of an equipment down for repair.
• Assists with other tasks pertaining to production as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. 
• 1 year General Mechanical experience and aptitude preferred
• Demonstrated experience of a variety of machinery used in a manufacturing plant or similar environment
• Ability to setup and startup machinery, identify worn parts, and sounds that equipment makes
• Knowledge of basic mechanical equipment operations and food safety
• Experience working in a chilled food factory or related environment is preferred
• Good knowledge and understanding of food safety work practices common chilled food production
• Bilingual (Spanish / English) helpful
• Ability to work at a rapid pace under pressure while maintaining a positive disposition
• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy repetitive motion and ergonomics

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and complete precision tasks
• Ability to read, comprehend and speak professionally with team members
• Must have basic mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure
• Knowledge of applying common mechanical processes, conveyer systems, and food safety procedures 
• Ability to work in a cold/ damp environment for extended periods
• Must have strong interpersonal and employee relation skills

WORK DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this Job it is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit for prolong periods and use hands to finger, handle, lift or feel. Frequent exposure to chilled temperatures within the operations and warehouse environments.  Must be able to lift, reach and move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OUR VALUES

As we continue to grow and provide leading-edge products to our customers, we understand hiring the right people and treating them well is critical to our success. Everything we do starts with our values. These are the beliefs that we share and that strengthen our team. Our values shape our thoughts and actions every day. At F&S its Always FRESH and Always FUN!

Find the most positive path.

Respond swiftly, accurately, and nimbly.

Earn trust by sharing, helping, and keeping promises.

Serve up safety.

Have each other’s backs

F&S Offers:
We are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits program focused on your total well-being.

• Competitive compensation package
• A robust health and welfare benefits package that includes Life, Health, Dental, Vision
• The opportunity to plan for the future with a strong 401(K) including company      match
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance to help you achieve your goals and continue your career growth.

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods! 

F&S Fresh Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: F&S Fresh Foods is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at F&S Fresh Foods are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. F&S Fresh Foods will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.