Filler Operator (12 Hour Days - Rotating Weekends)

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry's latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

shift schedule:

12 Hour Days: This is a day shift position, with hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The role follows a rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

job purpose:

The Filler Operator is responsible for filling containers of all products supplied by the processing department, beginning with the sterile preparation of raw materials through the blow molder to inspection equipment beyond the capper. This position is expected to maintain the integrity and sterilization of all packaged products throughout the associated equipment. The individual will complete the required routine documentation and ensure legal parameters are complied with. They will perform product testing and evaluation protocols as outlined by Packaging, Quality, and Maintenance department requirements. The Filler Operator also cleans the machines according to food processing standards, troubleshoots issues, performs minor repairs or adjustments, and clears any jams that may occur during production.

responsibilities:

• Follow all safety, working, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules.
• Report to and follow the directions of Production Supervisors.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely operate moving equipment and make the appropriate adjustments within process limits in order to package accurate and defect-free full bottles.
• Observe machine operations to ensure quality conformity to specifications and standard operating procedures for all packaged products moving on to the next equipment center.
• Weigh and inspect filled, capped bottles routinely to verify specifications are met throughout production runs. Work with the Quality Assurance department to confirm the product complies with all requirements for the duration of runtime.
• Communicate with material handlers to supply filling equipment with the required production materials or cleaning agents.
• Count and record finished or rejected packaged items.
• Clean (CIP) and/or sterilize (SOP) the blow molder, filler, capper, coder, inspection units, and surrounding areas. Maintain the entire filling room in audit ready condition both during and after production.
• Proactively monitor the production line, inspection equipment, and surrounding conveyors to watch for any problems including backups, jams, or rejects. Efficiently resolve stoppages and continue production in a timely manner while recording all downtime reasons.
• Stop and troubleshoot machines when faults occur, clear machine jams, then report malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor and/or technician.
• Oil properly, troubleshoot problems, perform minor repairs using the correct tools, and participate in Preventive Maintenance on the filling equipment.
• Aid in the training of new personnel or upskilling of team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

skills/qualifications required:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• A High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computational skills including simple math and reasoning required.
• Must be able to operate the equipment effectively after the appropriate training period.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and escalate accordingly for those requiring additional expertise.
• Must work in a safe, efficient manner while adhering to all safety procedures.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an Industrial Truck Operator License.

certificates, licenses, registrations:

• HMI (human machine interface) devices and process trending are needed for the position.
• Filler operating experience, preferably with aseptic bottling, is required.

working conditions and physical requirements:

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

• Sitting/Standing/Walking/Lifting/Carrying - The Filler Operator stands throughout their shift, walks on uneven concrete and tile surfaces, and could lift up to 50 pounds at once.
• Pushing/Pulling/Bending/Stooping - The Filler Operator pushes/pulls wheeled carts, material containers, and product samples for testing. The Filler Operator pushes/pulls while using brooms, dust mops, and brushes during cleanup duties. The Filler Operator bends/stoops occasionally throughout the workday for varying lengths of time.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling/Twisting/Turning - The Filler Operator may squat to pick up product from the floor, or during various cleanup duties. There will be occasional twisting and turning at the waist when testing product, or when performing routine responsibilities.
• Climbing/Balancing/Reaching - The Filler Operator steps on and off equipment platforms and climbs stairs to access equipment. The Filler Operator reaches below and/or above shoulder level when removing or adding boxes to a pallet and dumping materials into a hopper.
• Grasping/Manipulation - The Filler Operator will engage in frequent use of hands and fingers for pressing buttons, opening equipment doors, typing on a keyboard, clearing jams, executing changeovers, and performing quality checks.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer, and/or Government requirements and standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to food safety and the quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to food safety and the quality of ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of food safety and quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of an absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Packaging Supervisor

travel requirements: little to none

exempt/nonexempt: nonexempt

This position is bonus eligible.