Machine Operator at Jack Link's Beef Jerky Company in Underwood, IA

Company Description

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

We offer:

• Steady, predictable shifts
• A passionate team
• Strong family values
• Career opportunities with a goal to promote from within
• Competitive pay including a bonus plan
• Great benefits including a medical plan, dental plan and vision plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Discounted product

Job Description

Hours

3rd shift Friday-Sunday: 5:30am - 6:00pm

The Machine Operator is responsible for all equipment running safely, efficiently and correctly on the Line(s)/Cells. This includes but is not limited to the tote dumpers, Sealed Air baggers, conveyor feed system, check weighers, and packaging equipment. This role is a working position that rotates with the team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• • Checks All Safeguards - Do not carry out any modification or conversion work or make any additions to the machine without the manufacturer’s permission. This applies particularly to any adjustments of protective installations, switches or valves. - Do not make any modification to the software of the programmable control system. - Only operate the lines when all the safety devices are present and functioning. - Follows all Lock out tag requirements
• Operating Personnel Requirements:
  • Follows Proper Shift Startup Process for All Assigned Equipment
    • Check the machine for any evident signs of damage and safety deficiencies at the beginning of the shift.
    • Immediately report any changes that may have occurred, including any changes to the machine’s performance to the lead and or supervisor.
    • If any malfunction occurs, immediately switch off the machine and ensure it cannot be switched back on. Correct any faults as soon as they occur.
    • Before switching on the machine, ensure that no-one is in the machine and put at risk by the machine as it starts up.
    • Before switching on the machine, ensure that there are no foreign object in the machine.
    • Follows Shift Startup checklist for all assigned equipment...
• Preparing Production
  • Changeovers
    • Follows changeover checklist instructions
    • Work with the lead to ensure quality
    • Work with the lead on timely changeovers
    • Set PLC to proper receipts as needed
  • Follows Proper End of Shift Process for All Assigned Equipment
    • Preparing to Shut down: At the end of a shift or for periodic maintenance, the machine needs to be run back to a defined position (cycle end or base position) before the main switch (switch disconnector) is switched off.
    • Completes proper daily cleaning and upkeep of the machine.
    • Work with the lead to ensure a correct set up for a smooth transaction to the next shift
• Other Roles and Responsibilities
  • Work on the line and rotate with the team
  • Ensure the line is running smoothly by keeping equipment performing at optimal efficiencies
  • Troubleshoot and correct any equipment deficiencies as needed
  • Involve the automation techs if needed
  • Work with the lead to ensure all Metrics and Goals are obtained
  • Work with the lead to ensure all SQF quality standards are being followed
  • Load the bag infeed’s on the SA baggers
  • Ensure ink jetters are functioning correctly
  • Communicate with the lead and team members as needed
  • Continuous improvement opportunities are communicated
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Required Experience:

• Minimum 6 months related experience/training on automated equipment.
• Understanding machine operation, mechanical devices and navigating PLC controlled equipment.
• Experience with basic hand tools

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of diverse high-speed machines in a manufacturing setting
• Understands why machines are not at peak performance, how to increase output and how to fix errors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to Detail
• Knowledge of Production Procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and employees

Additional Information

The starting rate for this role is $18(Hourly). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the team member is regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods of time, use hands to manage objects, tools, or controls and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear for safety and productivity. The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty pounds. The team member must have acceptable and / or correctable vision.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work to be performed by team members in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of team members performing this role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Jack Link's is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

E-Verify

Jack Link's provides the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. IMPORTANT: If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, we are required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. We may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants or to re-verify current employees and may not limit or influence the choice of documents presented for use on the Form I-9. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, we use E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. If you believe that your employer has violated its responsibilities under this program or has discriminated against you during the verification process based upon your national origin or citizenship status, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).