Production Machine Feeder - Auto - Natural Grocers

Job in a Nutshell:

The Production Machine Feeder is responsible for the daily setup and operation of the loading platform for the bulk foods and spice packaging department at the Natural Grocers Distribution Center.   The Machine Feeder position is a team-based, fast paced and physically demanding role, and is critical to the success of the automated packaging operation.  This position is responsible for maintaining GMP’s, housekeeping, and applicable food safety documentation. 

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

1/30/2025

Main Ingredients: 

1. Verify daily/weekly production schedule with machine operators
2. Ensure machine tooling is setup for the raw materials scheduled
3. Ensure accuracy and quantities of staged raw material prior to loading
4. Inspect raw material during the loading process and report quality concerns to QA
5. Feed raw material into hoppers in a sanitary, accurate and efficient manner
6. Maintain flow of product throughout each production run
7. Maintain complete and accurate records of raw materials entering production
8. Maintain the segregation of allergen, non-allergen, organic and non-organic products
9. Lead quick and efficient changeovers to minimize down time
10. Complete necessary documentation for changeovers, cleaning, and product specs
11. Remove waste and sweep work area regularly to maintain a sanitary environment
12. Follow all SSOP’s and food safety standards
13. Perform all tasks in a manner that promotes safety

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success:

1. Previous experience in food manufacturing environment preferred
2. High School diploma or equivalent education is required
3. Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions is required
4. Ability to effectively communicate verbally is required
5. Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food production preferred
6. Must be able to maintain product flow on multiple lines
7. Must become familiar with allergen categories and required segregation for allergens and organic products
8. Good attention to detail; communication, accuracy and thoroughness a must
9. Exposure to 5s and Lean manufacturing methodologies a plus
10. Ability to work with others in a fast-paced team environment
11. Must be reliable and on time every day
12. Able to work in seasonally warm or cool environment

This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

Here’s an overview of the benefits we offer our good4u Crew to help ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your family, now and well into the future:

All Crew Members

• Birthday Bonus Pay 
• Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually) 
• Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
• Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure 
• Paid Nutrition Education 
• good4u Crew Member Discount  
• {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program) 
• Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases  
• Advancement Opportunities and Career Development 
• Health and Wellness Program  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   
• Employee Referral Program

Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Parental Leave  
• Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance) 
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance  
• Company Paid Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance   
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match  
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match 

Diversity Statement

At the heart of Natural Grocers' commitment to our community and crew is this belief: All people should be empowered to experience health and wellbeing! We cannot be true to this conviction without honoring diversity and cultivating inclusion throughout every aspect of our organization.

At Natural Grocers, we honor our differences, embrace diversity, and cultivate inclusion because both individual and societal health are rooted in these principles. Our Crew is diverse not only in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and age but also in cultural backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas. Celebrating our diversity refreshes, expands, and shapes our perspective, energizing our mission of equitable access to health and wellness for all. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in this mission, with gratitude for the unique life experience each person brings to the table. We’re committed to nurturing an ecosystem of diversity and inclusion in which our Crew can continue to thrive.

Physical and Environmental Demands:                               
 
N = Never
O = Occasional; 1-33% of time
F = Frequent; 34-66% of time
C = Constant; 67-100% of time
 
Physical Requirements:
Must have the ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs.
Must have the ability to occasionally push or pull up to 30 lbs.
Must be able to constantly use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
Must be able to constantly sit, use fine motor manipulations, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
Must be able to frequently grip, bend, twist, and turn.
Must be able to occasionally walk, stand, squat, kneel, and reach above chest as needed.
 
Environmental Requirements:
Must be able to work occasionally with cold, heat, sharp tools and equipment, noise, contact stress, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.