Line Operator

Line Operator Job Description (Day & Night)

This position reports to: Production Supervisor (Straws)

Alternate: Packaging Lead

POSITION SCOPE

The Line Operator operates automated equipment to package finished straws for distribution. This position is responsible for collecting finished products from the production line, bundling and packaging straws into shipping bags, maintaining machine operation through material changes, and performing light equipment replenishment. The Line Operator monitors equipment performance, performs bobbin changes, and ensures continuous production flow. This role supports both day and night shift operations and is essential to meeting production output targets and maintaining product quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Production Duties:

1. Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to review machine and production safety, new customers, customer requirements, and shift/production changes
2. Collect finished, wrapped straws from the conveyor belt as they exit the automated wrapping machine
3. Bundle straws into bags according to company and customer specifications
4. Seal bags with heat sealer or tape to ensure product integrity during shipping
5. Apply lot code stickers to bags for traceability
6. Place completed bags in bins located at production line
7. Maintain production pace to meet output targets
8. Communicate any production issues or concerns to Supervisor or Line Support
9. Perform other duties as needed or assigned

Machine Operation and Maintenance:

1. Monitor the automated wrapper machine to ensure proper operation and product quality
2. Replace bobbin and wrapper material approximately every 45 minutes (13-15 times per shift)
3. Thread paper material through the machine during bobbin changes
4. Fill the straw hopper as needed to maintain continuous production
5. Monitor hopper levels and avoid overfilling to prevent belt breakage
6. Monitor machine performance to identify potential issues; switch on light at machine to alert for assistance
7. Perform light cleaning of machinery and work area before and after shift
8. Report equipment malfunctions or issues to Supervisor or Maintenance
9. Follow proper machine startup and shutdown procedures

Quality and Safety:

1. Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are met
2. Identify and set aside defective or non-conforming product; notify Supervisor
3. Verify lot codes are correct on stickers before application
4. Maintain a clean and organized workstation per GMP requirements
5. Follow all company safety protocols and food safety requirements
6. Wear required PPE including hair net, gloves, beard net, and hearing protection
7. Report food safety concerns, foreign material findings, or potential contamination immediately
8. Report safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to Supervisor immediately

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

   This position requires MEDIUM-level physical activity including:

   Frequency of Physical Activities:

   1. Frequent: Standing at workstation, handling/grasping objects, fine manipulation (bundling, sealing, stickering), reaching, repetitive hand and arm movements

   2. Occasional: Walking, bending at waist and neck, squatting, trunk rotation, use of step stool/ladder

   Lifting and Carrying:

   1. Frequent lifting of 2-5 lbs (completed bags of straws, 3.7-4.6 lbs)

   2. Occasional lifting of 6-10 lbs (straw wrapping material bobbin, 10 lbs, lifted 13-15 times per shift)

   3. Carrying items up to 10 feet within work area

   Other Physical Demands:

   1. Vision adequate to monitor machinery, inspect product quality, and read lot codes

   2. Hearing adequate to communicate with co-workers and detect equipment issues

   3. Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout shift

   4. Ability to work standing on concrete surfaces for entire shift (anti-fatigue mats provided in some areas)

   5. Ability to work in production environment with moderate noise levels and varying temperatures

   SKILLS REQUIRED

   This position requires the following skills:

   1. Attention to detail for product quality inspection and lot code verification

   2. Basic mechanical aptitude for bobbin changes and machine monitoring

   3. Manual dexterity for bundling, sealing, and stickering operations

   4. Ability to maintain production pace and meet output targets

   5. Understanding of basic equipment operation and troubleshooting

   6. Knowledge of food safety and GMP requirements

   7. Ability to work as part of a production team

   8. Physical stamina for repetitive tasks throughout shift

   9. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

   10. Receptive to direction and constructive feedback

   11. Ability to work day or night shifts as scheduled

   TOOLS REQUIRED

   The following tools and equipment are required for this position:

   1. Automated wrapper machine

   2. Heat sealer

   3. Sticker tape gun

   4. Hand counter at machine

   5. Wrapper material bobbins

   6. Google Workspace (Forms, Sheets) for basic documentation

   7. PPE (hair net, gloves, beard net, hearing protection)