Machine Operator - First Shift - New Oxford

SANDRIDGE CRAFTED FOODS in NEW OXFORD appreciates your interest in joining our Team! Upon receipt of your online application, we will review your resume and contact you if your qualifications appear to meet the essential job functions of the position of which you applied.    

New Oxford Facility - Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator
Department: Soup 190, Entrée 340
Reports To: Senior Supervisor / Supervisor and takes direction from Area Leads

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time

Date: February 10, 2026

Author: Laurence R. Etchison, SPHR, Human Resources Business Partner - Manager

Position Summary

The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, and sanitation of food processing machinery in compliance with OSHA machine safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standards under 29 CFR 1910.147, food safety regulations, and company procedures. The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential Functions

The following duties are essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

Machine Operation & Production

• Set up, operate, monitor, and shut down food processing machinery in accordance with SOPs
• Load raw materials and remove finished products while maintaining production and quality standards
• Adjust machine settings within authorized parameters to ensure product specifications
• Monitor machine performance, product flow, and safety indicators throughout the shift

Machine Safety & Lockout/Tagout (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147)

• Comply with the company’s written Energy Control Program
• Perform lockout/tagout procedures before clearing jams, performing equipment cleaning beyond normal operation, maintenance, or servicing activities
• Apply and remove personal lock(s) and tag(s) in accordance with authorized employee training
• Verify zero energy state prior to beginning LOTO-covered work
• Never bypass, disable, or remove machine guards, interlocks, or safety devices
• Immediately report damaged guards, missing devices, or LOTO concerns

Training & Authorization (LOTO-Specific)

• Complete OSHA-compliant LOTO training appropriate to assigned role (authorized, affected, or other employee) prior to performing LOTO activities
• Demonstrate understanding of:
• Types and magnitudes of hazardous energy
• Energy isolation and control methods
• Proper application, verification, and removal of LOTO devices
• Participate in periodic refresher training and annual LOTO audits as required
• Comply with retraining requirements following equipment changes, incidents, or observed deficiencies

Quality & Food Safety

• Follow GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and allergen control requirements
• Perform in-process quality checks and accurately complete required documentation
• Prevent product contamination during operation, cleaning, and changeovers

Sanitation & Housekeeping

• Clean and sanitize machinery and work areas per sanitation SOPs
• Support allergen changeovers and pre-operational inspections
• Maintain an organized, safe, and sanitary workstation

Documentation & Communication

• Complete production, downtime, sanitation, and LOTO documentation accurately
• Communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, or deviations to supervision immediately

Attendance & Reliability

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Work assigned schedules, including overtime, weekends, or holidays as required

Marginal (Non-Essential) Functions

• Assist with training new operators
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform other production-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow SOPs, safety rules, and quality requirements
• Ability to safely operate machinery after completing required training
• Ability to comply with OSHA machine safety and LOTO standards

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Prior experience operating food processing or industrial manufacturing equipment
• Basic mechanical aptitude or troubleshooting experience

Physical Demands (ADA-Compliant)

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift)
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Frequent bending, reaching, grasping, and repetitive hand motions
• Ability to operate machine controls, touchscreens, levers, and emergency stops
• Ability to visually verify machine status and energy isolation indicators
• Ability to communicate effectively in a production environment

Work Environment

• Food processing or manufacturing facility
• Exposure to powered machinery, conveyors, and mechanical systems
• Temperature variations, noise, steam, dust, or vibration
• Possible exposure to food allergens
• PPE required, including gloves, hair restraints, protective clothing, hearing protection, and safety footwear

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Sandridge Crafted Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ADA / Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sandridge Crafted Foods complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position.

SANDRIDGE CRAFTED FOODS in NEW OXFORD appreciates your interest in joining our Team! Upon receipt of your online application, we will review your resume and contact you if your qualifications appear to meet the essential job functions of the position of which you applied.