Machine Operator Lead

Job Title: Lead Machine Operator 
Department: Acorn Maintenance  
Reports To: Maintenance Superintendent  
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Acorn Plant 
Work Arrangement: On-Site 
Shift / Schedule: Full-time 
Travel Requirements: N/A 
Employment Type: Full-time 
Pay Rate: $23.50 per hour

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Lead Machine Operator operates, monitors, and maintains assigned production equipment at Farmer Focus’s Acorn packing plant while providing day-to-day guidance to machine operators. This hands-on role supports safe, efficient, and high-quality production by reinforcing quality, productivity, and equipment standards and ensuring work follows safety programs, food safety requirements, and company procedures.

The Lead Machine Operator serves as a point of contact for equipment and workflow concerns, helps coordinate assigned tasks, supports operator training, and communicates production and mechanical issues to production management and the Maintenance Superintendent. The role leads by example, helps operators resolve routine issues, and escalates concerns that require additional support.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain assigned machinery and equipment in the Acorn packing plant.

• Lead by example in maintaining quality, productivity, and equipment standards; help machine operators follow established expectations.

• Follow and reinforce safety programs, food safety requirements, procedures, and company policies; promptly report unsafe conditions or practices.

• Maintain and test mechanical equipment, machinery, and components.

• Identify parts, equipment, or machines that need new or replacement parts.

• Respond to production area requests when mechanical or equipment issues have been identified.

• Serve as a point of contact between machine operators, production management, and maintenance to communicate equipment issues, assist with troubleshooting, and escalate concerns.

• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment as required.

• Help coordinate daily operator assignments and priorities with production management and the Maintenance Superintendent; complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently.

• Read and follow lockout/tagout and confined space entry procedures as required.

• Read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings related to the role.

• Monitor equipment performance and production flow, communicate downtime and recurring issues, and support timely resolution and shift handoffs.

• Train and coach machine operators on equipment operation, routine checks, safe work practices, and established procedures.

• Provide hands-on support during equipment setup, production changes, and routine troubleshooting within training and authorization limits; refer issues requiring additional expertise to maintenance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits: Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members’ health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi-subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match, HSA and FSA, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs.

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• General mathematical ability is required to perform the job.

• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

• Ability to read and write well enough to safely use lockout/tagout and confined space entry programs.

• Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions, and drawings.

• Basic knowledge of standard and metric measurements.

• Ability to identify mechanical issues, communicate clear instructions to operators, and escalate equipment and production concerns to management.

• Ability to organize assigned work, help coordinate operator tasks, and complete responsibilities accurately and efficiently.

• Ability to work assigned days and shifts, including weekends.

• Ability to follow safety procedures, production standards, and company policies.

• Ability to demonstrate equipment operating procedures, coach team members, and reinforce safe work practices.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating machinery or production equipment in a manufacturing, food processing, poultry processing, packing, or production environment, including equipment setup and routine troubleshooting.

• Previous experience as a lead operator, team lead, or operator trainer, including coordinating work and supporting shift handoffs.

• Experience performing basic preventive maintenance.

• Basic mechanical aptitude or experience identifying equipment issues.

• Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry procedures, or production safety programs.

• Willingness to work within the framework of the Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.

New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

Work is conducted primarily in a manufacturing and poultry packing environment at the Acorn Plant. This role requires regular access to the production environment and assigned equipment areas. The team member must be able to tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions within the plant. Hearing and eye protective equipment are required in the production area. Hair and beard nets are required in the production area. Additional personal protective equipment may be required based on task, location, and safety requirements. This position may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, using tools, working near machinery, and performing tasks in a fast-paced production environment. The role may require working assigned days and shifts, including some weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.

Recruiter and Agency Disclaimer

Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted by staffing agencies, recruiters, or search firms to any Farmer Focus employee without a current written agreement and an active, role-specific request from the Recruiting team will be considered the property of Farmer Focus. Farmer Focus will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume or candidate profile.

All external recruiters and agency partners supporting Farmer Focus searches must comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including compensation transparency requirements and restrictions on seeking salary history where applicable.

About Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better. 

EOE, including disability/vets