Production Operator/Machine Operator

Job Title: Production Operator / Machine Operator

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire Compensation: $17.40 as a temp, pay increase upon hire

Position Overview

Legacy Staffing is seeking reliable and safety-conscious Production Operators / Machine Operators on behalf of a leading manufacturing client in Bakersfield. This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, and supporting automated production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous production while maintaining quality and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate is dependable, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where safety, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation

• Safely operate production, bottling, packaging, labeling, conveying, case-packing, palletizing, and related equipment.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and verify equipment readiness before production begins.
• Start, stop, monitor, and operate machinery within established production parameters.
• Observe equipment performance and identify abnormal conditions such as jams, alarms, unusual sounds, vibration, or product flow issues.
• Assist with line setups, product changeovers, startups, shutdowns, and production preparation activities.

Production Support

• Maintain adequate supplies of bottles, caps, labels, cartons, film, and other packaging materials.
• Monitor production flow to minimize downtime, waste, and product loss.
• Perform routine operator adjustments and minor troubleshooting within authorized limits.
• Respond to equipment interruptions and production issues following established safety procedures.

Quality & Food Safety

• Conduct in-process inspections and monitor product quality throughout production.
• Identify and report issues involving fill levels, damaged containers, packaging defects, labeling errors, contamination concerns, or other quality-related issues.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, quality standards, and food safety requirements.
• Segregate and dispose of damaged or non-conforming product according to company procedures.

Documentation & Communication

• Record production counts, downtime, quality checks, scrap, waste, and other required production information accurately.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance, warehouse personnel, quality teams, and coworkers regarding operational concerns and production status.

Housekeeping & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area.
• Perform routine cleaning of equipment and surrounding workspaces.
• Follow machine guarding requirements, Lockout/Tagout procedures, safety policies, and all workplace regulations.
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety meetings and training programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing, production, bottling, packaging, or machine operation experience preferred.
• Ability to learn and safely operate production equipment following training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established procedures.
• Basic math skills and ability to complete production documentation accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize equipment or process abnormalities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, stooping, crouching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds safely.
• Ability to monitor machinery, inspect products, and work safely around production equipment.

Work Environment

• Active manufacturing and bottling environment.
• Exposure to automated machinery, conveyors, forklifts, compressed air systems, and production equipment.
• Work may involve elevated noise levels, temperature variations, wet conditions, and cleaning chemicals.
• Required PPE may include safety footwear, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, and other safety equipment.

Schedule

• Various shifts available based on production needs.
• Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required.

If you're looking for an opportunity to build a career in manufacturing and enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment, we encourage you to apply. Legacy Staffing is proud to connect hardworking professionals with long-term career opportunities in production and manufacturing.