Machine Operator Level 1Lifeway Foods, which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.Job Summary: The Machine Operator Level 1 must have the ability and desire to follow directions and work cooperatively with the production team as they operate certain machinery according to guidelines and safety rules.
Level 1 will be solely responsible for the operation of the "ProBugs" and basic cheese machines.Schedule: Second Shift: Monday through Friday 3:30pm - finish production (including occasional Saturday's)Duties/Responsibilities:Report to workstation on time and wear proper work attireSetting up work area by making sure the machines are assembledFollow SOP, SSOP, GMP, and general safety policiesVerify machine parts are sterilized with liquid sanitizerAssemble machine parts together in the morningSupply materials to rails, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload packaged productVerify kefir pouches have correct lot number, expiration date, weight, and vat numberVerify printer labels are displaying the correct information for kefir and cheese productsRegulate machine flow, speed, and temperatureStop or reset machines when malfunction occurs, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisorObserve machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standardsMonitor the production line, watch for problems such as pile ups or jamsMonitor that machine sensors and printers work properlyInspect and remove defective products and packaging materialRemove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected itemsStack finished packaged items in milk crates and wrap protective material around each palletStock and sort product for packaging or filling machine operation and replenish packaging suppliesClean packaging containers, filler lines, and disassemble the machinesComplete all assigned production tasks accuratelyAdditional Duties as assignedRequired Skills/Abilities:Ability to actively listen to instructions and understand basic EnglishEducation and Experience:High school diploma or equivalent6 months to 1-year experience in similar rolePhysical Requirements:Must be able to lift 50lbsAbility to be on your feet for an 8-hour shiftAbility to climb on ladders and maneuver through equipmentFlexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidaysLifeway Foods, Inc. is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir.
We are an equal opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package.