Machine Operator

About Heritage Specialty Foods:

Our company is comprised of two local families and two generations who are joined together by the same mission of supporting our customers with naturally fresh, kettle cooked foods for retail and food service operations. 

With over a decade of experience in fresh food manufacturing, we understand the intricate and delicate balance of taking a recipe and producing it on a grand scale while still maintaining the recipe’s integrity. 

We take full advantage of the abundance of local ingredients available to us in Portland to create our soups, chilis, chowders, entrées, sauces, marinades, and puddings also including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options and are looking for someone who relates to our company culture to join the team!

Job Description:

Operators will be responsible for maintaining a steady, efficient flow of product through the fill machine, learning the machine’s interface fluently and the general well-being of the machine itself. 

Machine Operator Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate machine in a safe and efficient manner, maintaining expected standards of production quality and waste.
• Assist with other operators to set up machines and any other necessary tasks to adhere to deadlines and completion of product.
• Constant communication with the cook staff.
• Daily operation of filling machinery safely and efficiently to produce top quality products.
• Responsible for proper and accurate product/package/code changes.
• Maintain proper safety conditions of equipment and surroundings.
• Perform quality inspections on materials and finished product. 
• Quality checks include codes, seals, and weights.
• If out of specification conditions are observed, notify responsible personnel and assist in resolution as appropriate.
• Follow procedures for isolating hold product or defective material.
• Follows Food Safety & Food Quality Plans to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Standards, the SQF system and other 3rd party audits.
• Perform line set up, start up, operations, closing and changeover of equipment.
• Ensure product quality is met throughout the filling process.
• Accurately completes and maintains all production records.
• Effectively and efficiently perform the safe operation of various machinery in the areas of set-up, troubleshooting and breakdown during operation.
• Regularly make adjustments as necessary to maximize production machine efficiency. 
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required and assigned.

• Previous machine operating or production related experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly. 
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.