Production Operator #1 (Cultured Products)

Company: Bellwether Farms Job Title : Production Operator #1 Dept : Cultured Room Report to : Team Lead Employment Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt Location: Petaluma (On-site) Doc Number: BF-HR-JDR-16-EN Job Summary Under the direction of the Team Lead, this position is responsible for accurately and efficiently packaging cultured products in preparation for distribution, while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary work environment.

Production Operators are typically assigned to specific work areas for daily operations; however, assignments may vary, and employees may be rotated or reassigned to different work areas based on operational and business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform cultured product packaging functions efficiently and accurately to support production operations and maintain appropriate workflow on the production line. Duties include, but are not limited to: Moving products through machinery and conveyor systems Date coding products and assembling boxes Packing cups into cardboard sleeves, boxes, and shrink-wrapped cases Palletizing finished products Transporting pallets from the production area to the cooler using manual pallet jacks Transporting packaging materials to the production area and assembling them in packaging equipment.

Perform regular cleaning and sanitation of equipment, product storage tanks, transfer lines, utensils, and work areas in accordance with established sanitation procedures, food safety requirements, and safety standards. Maintain a clean, orderly, and sanitary work environment. Work collaboratively with the production team to meet established productivity and quality expectations while following all safety and operational guidelines.

Collect product samples as directed and monitor temperature, pH, and other applicable quality parameters. Accurately report results to the Team Lead and/or document findings on required production records. Conduct in-process inspections to verify compliance with specifications, including but not limited to net weight, seal integrity, lot codes, and case labeling, as instructed by the Team Lead.

Promptly report any quality concerns, equipment issues, or deviations from established standards to the Team Lead. General Responsibilities: Perform all job duties in a safe manner and in compliance with the Company’s safety policies and procedures. Immediately report all injuries, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to the Team Lead or management.

Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and applicable food safety and quality assurance (QA) procedures. Perform other duties as assigned by the Team Lead and/or management based on operational needs. Qualifications/ Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: Prior experience in food or dairy production is preferred but not required.

Ability to work assigned shifts, including occasional overtime, weekends, or holidays as required by business needs. Commitment to following all company safety protocols, policies, and regulatory guidelines. Compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and personal hygiene standards applicable to food handling environments.

Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully while working in a team-oriented environment. Ability to perform basic arithmetic functions, including counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ability to work safely, efficiently, and with attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.

Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions. Demonstrated interest in learning and following established production and packaging protocols. Ability to work cooperatively with others and maintain a positive and respectful workplace culture. This position involves working in an environment with milk allergens.

Reasonable accommodation may be made in accordance with applicable laws. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred Physical and Mental Requirements The physical and mental requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

Ability to stand and walk on cement or hard surfaces for extended periods of time (typically up to 8 hours per shift). Frequent use of stairs and step stools as part of daily tasks. Ability to work in cold environments, including coolers (35–40°F); occasional work in freezer conditions may be required depending on job assignment.

Regular use of physical movements including bending, pushing, pulling, gripping, and reaching with hands and arms. Frequent torso twisting and other repetitive physical motions as part of standard duties. Ability to push or pull heavy loads, including those exceeding 1,850 pounds, using manual equipment such as pallet jacks.

Repetitive lifting and material handling, including objects weighing up to 35 pounds continuously and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Ability to maintain focus and awareness in a physically active and fast-paced environment. Consistent adherence to all safety and quality protocols as required by company policy and regulatory guidelines.

This role requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including but not limited to: waterproof non-slip boots, gloves, hairnets, beard nets (if applicable), and other assigned items. Work Environment This position operates within a food manufacturing creamery and involves working in a production facility with cement flooring.

The environment may be cold, wet, or humid due to proximity to refrigeration units, cleaning procedures, and ongoing dairy production processes. Employees may be exposed to varying temperatures, moisture, and moderate noise levels consistent with industrial equipment operations. The role requires regular interaction with production machinery, manual material handling equipment, and cleaning or sanitizing agents that are used in accordance with Cal/OSHA safety regulations and company procedures.

This is a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where adherence to safety, food handling, and sanitation standards is critical. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to waterproof non-slip boots, gloves, hair nets, and beard nets (as applicable), must be worn at all times in designated production areas, in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), company policies, and California workplace safety standards.

Compensation

and Benefits Bellwether Farms is committed to pay equity and transparency in alignment with California law. The anticipated hourly pay range for this position is $19.00 – $20.00 . This range is provided as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which may include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligibility begins after 30 days of employment) 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays Access to company products and employee discounts Bellwether Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.

It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.