Machine Operator

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour (plus Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift)

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Location: Onsite in Mesa, AZ

Classification: Non-exempt, full time

Reports to: Production Manager

About the Company

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures were born from a simple but radical idea: real food can heal — people, animals, and the planet. When Paleovalley co-founders Autumn and Chas Smith saw how industrialized food was affecting human health and the health of the land, they refused to play along. Autumn’s own journey of healing through nutrient-dense foods lit a fire that became Paleovalley. From there, the mission grew roots, sprouted wings, and eventually expanded into Wild Pastures to bring regeneratively raised meats directly to families nationwide.

Today, Paleovalley crafts deeply nourishing snacks and supplements made with organic ingredients and honorable sourcing. Wild Pastures connects small American farmers practicing regenerative agriculture with customers who believe better food is worth fighting for. Every product, every partnership, and every decision is guided by a commitment to real ingredients, regenerative practices, and the belief that health is built from the soil up.

We’re a team of grounded doers, curious thinkers, bold builders, and warm humans who like to laugh while doing meaningful work. We're growing quickly, fueled by purpose and a shared desire to repair the food system one thoughtful choice at a time.

If you feel energized by impact, drawn to mission, and ready to join a company rewriting the future of food, we’d love to meet you!

About the Opportunity

The Machine Operator plays a critical role in ensuring our production processes run safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards. By operating and maintaining key processing equipment such as kettles, dehydrators, and packaging systems, this role directly supports the consistent production of high-quality products our customers trust. Through attention to detail, sanitation excellence, and operational reliability, the Machine Operator helps protect product integrity and keep our production goals on track.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and monitor food-grade processing and packaging equipment including kettles, dehydrators, separators, mills, labelers, and date coders to ensure efficient and consistent production.
• Execute machine setups and changeovers accurately and efficiently to support production schedules and minimize downtime.
• Perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation procedures to maintain food safety standards and ensure equipment is audit-ready at all times.
• Maintain proper production flow by monitoring materials, removing finished goods, and adjusting machine settings as needed.
• Inspect finished products for correct labels, seals, net weights, and date codes to ensure compliance with specification sheets.
• Document batch, LOT, and production data accurately to maintain full traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and escalate mechanical concerns promptly to reduce downtime and protect product quality.
• Collaborate with QA, Production Leads, and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations and adherence to GMP, FDA, and USDA standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and proactively communicate recommendations that enhance efficiency and quality.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by consistently following PPE requirements and safety protocols.

Requirements

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 1+ year of experience in a food, beverage, supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating production or processing equipment in a regulated manufacturing setting.
• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SOPs, and food safety regulations (FDA/USDA).
• Ability to perform equipment cleaning and sanitation procedures, including adherence to safety protocols.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for the duration of a shift in a manufacturing environment.
• Flexibility to work assigned shifts, including evenings or overtime as needed.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Bonus Points

• Experience operating kettles, dehydrators, milling equipment, or other food-grade processing systems.
• Familiarity with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and advanced sanitation procedures.
• Experience performing equipment changeovers, labeler/date coder adjustments, and production line setups.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
• Experience in CPG, nutraceutical, or regulated food manufacturing environments with batch/LOT traceability systems.

Benefits

Our Commitment to You

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid dental/vision and a small monthly medical premium for employees; dependents may be added at employee cost
• Generous Paid time off to support balance and rest
• Paid sick time for when you need it
• Six (6) company-paid holidays each year & two (2) floating holidays
• Paid parental leave after 6 months of service for eligible employees
• 100% company-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Referral bonuses up to $1,500 when you refer great people who join our team
• 401(k) or Roth Plans with up to a 4% company match after one year of service
• $300 Paleovalley Monthly product stipend for employees
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role takes place in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and airborne particles. Employees must follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift and move items up to 50 pounds. Work may involve operating or working near machinery and other equipment. These physical demands are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compliance & Employment Practices

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are proud to be equal opportunity employers. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination — are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please reach out to HRteam@paleovalley.com to let us know. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. At this time, Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, or OPT.

This role is open until filled.