Machine Operator, MI at Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC – Benton Harbor, Michigan

Title: Machine Operator

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Benton Harbor offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and lakeside living that’s hard to beat. Just minutes from the charming waterfront community of St. Joseph (less than a 20-minute drive), residents enjoy easy access to sandy beaches, boutique shopping, and year-round festivals. The area is also within a short drive of South Haven (about 30 minutes) and under two hours from Chicago, making weekend getaways effortless.

With nearby wineries, golf courses, and outdoor recreation, plus a growing local food and arts scene, Benton Harbor delivers a laid-back lifestyle with big-city access—perfect for professionals looking to grow their careers without sacrificing quality of life.

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

POSITION SUMMARY

The duties of the Production Machine Operator include but are not limited to operating high-speed machines, handling of sharps blades, changing of blades, cleaning machines on product change over.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Setting up machines with proper blades for specific cuts and products
• Feed product
• Clean machines
• Change blades
• Grease machines
• Comply with the attached critical settings on the machine settings
• Responsible for the proper product cut, setting up/cleaning the machine
• Keeping production supplies
• Proper handling/storage of blades
• Follows all safety policies/procedures, particularly lockout/tagout procedures
• Follows attendance policy and other company policies/procedures

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

This position requires 1 year of experience with a vertical form fill bagging machine. This position requires 1-3 years of general work experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. High school Diploma or GED preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Prior production/manufacturing machine operation experience preferred
• Previous experience within a high-speed industrial environment preferred
• Ability to operate manufacturing equipment is necessary
• Knowledge of industrial technology is a plus
• Understanding of the English language
• Need basic math skills and reading comprehension

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Onsite position in a food production/manufacturing environment
• Operation of high-speed production machinery
• Regular handling of sharp blades and cutting equipment
• Constant exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals (e.g., chlorine)
• Exposure to product fumes such as onions, peppers, and other produce
• Required to work overtime as business needs dictate
• Must follow all safety policies and procedures, including lockout/tagout
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent use of hands for firm grasping and fine motor tasks
• Repetitive use of feet to operate power equipment
• Frequent lifting and carrying of items weighing 5 to 50 pounds
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
• Occasional to frequent kneeling, squatting, and reaching above shoulder level
• Occasional repetitive hand motions
• Occasional use of cutting utensils such as knives and peelers

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.