Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Seasonal Production Operator

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionOperationsSeasonalEntry-Level

🎯 Role Definition

The Seasonal Production Operator is a hands-on, foundational role within our manufacturing operations, brought on board to boost our capacity during peak production cycles and special projects. This position is the engine room of our facility, directly involved in the creation of our products. You'll be responsible for operating machinery, assembling goods, and ensuring that every item leaving the line meets our high standards for quality and safety. This role is crucial for our ability to meet heightened customer demand and deliver on our commitments, requiring a blend of technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer
  • Warehouse Associate
  • High School Graduate or College Student (Summer/Holiday Work)

Advancement To:

  • Full-Time Production Operator
  • Line Lead or Team Lead
  • Quality Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

  • Materials Handler
  • Packaging Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and monitor various production line machinery and equipment, ensuring continuous and efficient operation throughout the shift.
  • Perform routine assembly tasks with precision, using hand tools, power tools, and automated equipment to construct finished goods according to detailed specifications.
  • Conduct regular in-process quality control checks and visual inspections to identify any product defects and ensure all items meet stringent company and customer standards.
  • Adhere strictly to all plant safety protocols, including the correct use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during machine maintenance.
  • Accurately read and interpret work orders, basic blueprints, and production schedules to determine material requirements, operational sequences, and daily targets.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe personal work area by consistently following 5S principles and participating in daily team housekeeping routines.
  • Load raw materials, components, and other supplies into production machinery and carefully unload finished products, preparing them for the next stage of manufacturing or for packaging.
  • Carefully package, label, and palletize finished goods according to specific instructions, ensuring they are secure and ready for shipment or transfer to the warehouse.
  • Proactively collaborate with team members, line leads, and supervisors to troubleshoot minor production issues and contribute to finding effective, timely solutions.
  • Monitor your personal production output and pace to meet or exceed daily and weekly targets, communicating any potential delays or challenges to leadership promptly.
  • Complete all required production and quality documentation accurately and legibly, tracking materials used, batch numbers, scrap, and production counts.
  • Assist with minor machine adjustments, basic preventative maintenance tasks, and line changeovers to minimize downtime and maintain equipment health.
  • Rotate through different workstations and perform a variety of tasks as required by the production schedule, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills.
  • Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at all times, a critical requirement in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or medical device production environments.
  • Sort, weigh, and inspect incoming raw materials to verify they meet the necessary quality specifications before they enter the production process.
  • Utilize basic computer systems or tablets to log production data, track inventory movements in real-time, or print product and shipping labels.
  • Participate actively in pre-shift meetings to understand the day's goals, safety topics, and any changes in production priorities or procedures.
  • Support the training and onboarding of fellow seasonal team members by demonstrating tasks, explaining procedures, and answering questions.
  • Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, quality deviations, or potential process improvements to the shift supervisor or maintenance department immediately.
  • Contribute to a positive and productive team environment by communicating respectfully, working collaboratively, and offering assistance to colleagues when needed.

Secondary Functions

  • Support line leads with periodic inventory cycle counts and material reconciliation efforts.
  • Contribute to the department's continuous improvement goals by suggesting enhancements for safety, quality, or efficiency.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to understand and help implement new quality standards or inspection procedures.
  • Participate in end-of-shift clean-up, line sanitization, and equipment changeover procedures to prepare for the next team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation: Ability to learn and operate various types of manufacturing and packaging equipment safely and effectively.
  • Use of Hand and Power Tools: Proficiency in using basic tools for assembly, adjustments, and minor repairs.
  • Quality Assurance Principles: Skill in conducting visual inspections and using basic measurement tools to identify defects.
  • Reading Work Orders/Schematics: Competency in interpreting technical documents to understand assembly instructions and product specifications.
  • Basic Computer Literacy: Ability to interact with HMI screens, log data into spreadsheets, or use inventory management software.
  • Knowledge of Safety Procedures: Understanding of core safety concepts like LOTO, PPE, and general hazard awareness in an industrial setting.
  • Material Handling: Experience with or ability to be trained on operating manual pallet jacks or other material-moving equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to tasks is essential for ensuring product quality and safety compliance.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with a diverse group of colleagues to achieve common production goals.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: A willingness to switch between tasks, work different stations, and adjust to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Reliability and Punctuality: A strong sense of personal accountability for being on time and ready to contribute every scheduled day.
  • Problem-Solving Aptitude: The capacity to identify issues as they arise and think critically to find or suggest a solution.
  • Effective Communication: The skill to listen to instructions and clearly convey information or issues to supervisors and teammates.
  • Strong Work Ethic: A motivated and proactive attitude with a focus on meeting goals and taking pride in one's work.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or warehouse environment.

Preferred: Previous experience working in a fast-paced production setting, particularly in a seasonal capacity, is highly valued. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and 5S methodologies is a significant plus.

Explore More Careers