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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Juice Line Operator

💰 $17 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionFood & BeverageOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Juice Line Operator is the hands-on specialist at the heart of our beverage production process. This role is fundamentally responsible for transforming raw materials into high-quality, finished juice products that meet our stringent safety and quality standards. Serving as the frontline guardian of the production line, the operator ensures the seamless operation of complex machinery, upholds food safety protocols, and directly contributes to the efficiency and success of the entire manufacturing facility. This is a critical function that requires a blend of technical aptitude, keen attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate
  • General Laborer (Manufacturing)
  • Warehouse Worker

Advancement To:

  • Production Line Lead / Team Lead
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Packaging Machine Operator
  • Sanitation Technician
  • Forklift Operator / Material Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and monitor a variety of high-speed production line equipment, including but not limited to fillers, cappers, labelers, pasteurizers, and case packers, to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
  • Perform meticulous and frequent quality control checks on products at various stages, verifying fill levels, cap torque, label placement, date code accuracy, and overall package integrity.
  • Execute complete sanitation of all production equipment, tools, and the surrounding work area following established Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and food safety guidelines.
  • Manage the continuous flow of raw materials, such as empty bottles, caps, labels, and bulk juice, from staging areas to the appropriate machinery to prevent line stoppages.
  • Accurately and legibly complete all required production documentation, including run-time logs, downtime reports, waste tracking, and quality assurance records.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues, equipment jams, and operational errors in real-time to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency.
  • Execute efficient and thorough product changeovers, which includes cleaning, sanitizing, and precisely setting up the production line for different juice varieties or bottle sizes.
  • Adhere strictly to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, and company food safety protocols to ensure the safety and integrity of the product.
    f- Conduct comprehensive pre-operational inspections of the production line to confirm that all equipment is clean, safe, and properly configured for the scheduled production run.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with team members, line leads, quality assurance staff, and supervisors regarding production status, quality deviations, or potential safety concerns.
  • Safely operate a forklift, electric pallet jack, or other material handling equipment to move finished goods pallets, raw materials, and packaging supplies as required.
  • Vigilantly ensure that all machine safety guards, light curtains, and emergency stop mechanisms are in place and fully functional before and during operation.
  • Monitor Human-Machine Interface (HMI) control panels to adjust machine settings, such as speed, temperature, and pressure, as dictated by the production recipe and line conditions.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks on equipment, including lubricating moving parts, tightening fittings, and inspecting components for wear and tear, reporting issues as needed.
  • Systematically collect product samples at specified intervals throughout the production run for detailed analysis by the quality assurance laboratory.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by consistently practicing good housekeeping and adhering to 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
  • Read and interpret daily production schedules and work orders to ensure the correct product, packaging, and quantities are being manufactured.
  • Properly identify, segregate, and document any non-conforming product or materials, isolating them according to established quality hold procedures.
  • Actively participate in team meetings, safety training sessions, and continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing line performance, safety, and product quality.
  • Load and unload bulk packaging materials, such as carton blanks, rolls of shrink wrap, and label spools, into the respective machines, ensuring proper alignment and feed.
  • Guarantee product traceability by meticulously verifying lot codes on all incoming raw materials and ensuring the correct codes are applied to all finished products.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and suggestion programs to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
  • Assist in the on-the-job training and onboarding of new team members, sharing knowledge of procedures and machine operation.
  • Provide support to the maintenance team during scheduled preventative maintenance or more complex repair activities.
  • Contribute to periodic inventory audits of raw materials, packaging, and other production-related supplies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High-Speed Machine Operation
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Quality Control Inspection & Testing
  • Sanitation Procedures (SSOPs)
  • Basic Mechanical Troubleshooting
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Procedures
  • Forklift and Pallet Jack Operation
  • Production Data Entry & Record Keeping
  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Operation
  • Understanding of Food Safety Principles (HACCP)

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail
  • Proactive Problem-Solving
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
  • Effective Time Management
  • Clear Verbal Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Safety-Conscious Mindset

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate or training in manufacturing technology or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Food Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred: Direct experience as a machine operator in a food & beverage, bottling, or other cGMP-regulated facility is highly desirable.

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