Production Operator in Rochester, New York at Fee Brothers

JOB SUMMARY

The Production Operator is an entry-level role responsible for supporting daily manufacturing operations by operating equipment, handling materials, and following established procedures to produce finished goods. This role focuses on consistent execution, adherence to safety and food quality standards, and maintaining an efficient, well-organized work environment. The Production Operator works collaboratively with team members to meet production goals, proactively supports workflow across the production line, and contributes to a safe, compliant, and high-quality manufacturing process.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for a range of employee benefits, including:

• 80 hours of paid time off per year, increasing to 120 hours after one year
• Full-day and partial-day paid holidays (19.5 paid holidays in 2026)
• Company-subsidized health insurance for individuals or families
• Company-funded HRA: $2,000 for individual coverage or $4,000 for family coverage to offset or cover deductible costs of an elected Company-sponsored health insurance plan
• Participation in the Company’s annual profit-sharing plan
• Company contributions to a 401(k) program after one year of employment
• 100% Company-funded legal insurance, ensuring employees have access to legal counsel
• 100% Company-funded enrollment in a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, providing employees with essential support for personal and professional challenges
• 100% Company-funded dental and vision insurance
• 100% Company-funded supplemental short-term and long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, and AD&D insurance
• 100% Company-funded AAA membership, providing employees with roadside assistance

Department: Filling & Packaging

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Supervises: No supervisory duties

Working Hours: Full time, M – F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Starting Wage: $18 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Production Operator is responsible for performing the following essential functions in alignment with Company standards, values, and goals:

Individual Contribution & Development

• Perform assigned work accurately and efficiently while maintaining the knowledge, skills, and work habits needed to meet established procedures, priorities, and Company expectations.
• Operate manufacturing equipment according to established procedures, including setup, basic adjustments, and routine operation.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and basic maintenance to maintain equipment functionality and an orderly, compliant work environment.
• Complete standard adjustments, replenishments, and minor troubleshooting as needed to support continuous operation.
• Assist with line changeovers and product transitions in accordance with established procedures.
• Handle and stage raw materials, supplies, and finished goods efficiently and securely.

Group Contribution & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with team members, communicating work-related information clearly and promptly, to support safe, coordinated, and efficient operations.
• Support team efforts to meet daily production goals by maintaining pace and readiness at assigned tasks.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report operational issues, irregularities, or safety concerns to supervisory personnel.
• Proactively use time between tasks to assist colleagues, support production flow, and address routine or backlogged cleaning, sanitation, and basic maintenance needs.

Compliance & Quality

• Follow Company policies and procedures in daily work while supporting regulatory compliance within the department to maintain audit, inspection, and review readiness and help achieve the highest possible ratings.
• Consistently follow cGMP, SQF, and all applicable food safety protocols.
• Follow SOPs to bottle, label, package, and handle products in accordance with quality standards, ensuring labeling accuracy, packaging integrity, adherence to product specifications, and proper documentation and traceability.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and hazard awareness.
• Participate in safety drills, training sessions, and inspections.

In addition to the essential functions listed above, the Production Operator may be asked to perform other duties as assigned. Fee Brothers’ team-oriented environment requires flexibility and adaptability to meet changing demands and expectations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The ideal Production Operator has the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required, or an equivalent combination of related work experience, training, and/or education sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, production, warehouse, or similar hands-on environment preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced, process-driven environment preferred
• Basic familiarity with mechanical equipment or machinery operation preferred
• Experience following written procedures or standardized work instructions preferred
• Prior exposure to food manufacturing, cGMP, or regulated production environments is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

The ideal Production Operator has the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Manufacturing Equipment Operation & Mechanical Awareness: Working knowledge of production equipment operation, including the ability to recognize irregular performance, perform routine adjustments, and support basic troubleshooting activities.
• Food Manufacturing Compliance & Sanitation Practices: Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and regulated manufacturing expectations, including adherence to cGMP, SQF, safety procedures, and workplace cleanliness standards.
• Production Flow & Operational Readiness: Ability to maintain steady workflow through effective material handling, task readiness, equipment support, and proactive response to changing production demands.
• Process Consistency & Standardized Work Execution: Ability to follow standardized procedures consistently while maintaining product quality, packaging accuracy, traceability, and operational consistency across production activities.
• Adaptability in Fast-Paced Manufacturing Environments: Ability to transition between tasks, support line changeovers, and remain effective in a fast-moving production environment with shifting operational priorities.
• Planning, Organization & Problem-Solving: Ability to organize daily work, prioritize tasks, identify issues, and apply practical solutions that support safe, efficient, and consistent operations.
• Job Knowledge & Self-Development: Ability to understand assigned duties, learn required procedures and standards, apply feedback, and continue building the knowledge and skills needed to perform work effectively.
• Tools, Equipment & Technology Utilization: Ability to safely and effectively use assigned tools, equipment, workplace systems, and documentation processes to support accurate work, recordkeeping, and operational needs.
• Professionalism & Resilience: Demonstrates a consistently professional demeanor while maintaining composure, accountability, and sound judgment under pressure and through changing conditions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others, support team goals, assist coworkers as needed, and contribute to a respectful, productive, and team-oriented work environment.
• Communication: Strong verbal and basic written communication skills, with the ability to share work-related information clearly, listen effectively, ask questions when needed, and support understanding in day-to-day operations.
• Initiative & Reliability: Dependable and self-motivated, with the ability to maintain strong attendance, follow through on responsibilities, use time effectively, and respond to work needs without unnecessary prompting.
• Attention to Detail & Precision: Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and thoroughness, ensuring products, materials, documentation, work areas, and processes consistently meet quality, safety, and compliance standards.