Automation Operator I - Day Shift Seed Packing

Automation Operator I – Seed Packing

Day Shift

Position Summary

Johnny's Selected Seeds has an immediate opening for a full-time, year-round Automation Operator I – Seed Packing at our Winslow, Maine facility. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 5:50 am to 2:20 pm., with overtime as needed. Starting pay is $21.63/hour.

We are seeking a detail-oriented, mechanically inclined individual to support our automated seed packaging operations. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, cleaning, and optimizing automation equipment to ensure accurate and efficient order fulfillment. The Automation Operator works closely with Seed Packing, Replenishment, Maintenance, Quality, and IT teams to maintain production standards, minimize downtime, and support continuous improvement efforts. This role is cross-functional and includes activities typically associated with other departments, such as equipment maintenance, systems troubleshooting, gathering of seed, and finished goods put-away. As automated workload changes, this individual will perform the standard duties of a Seed Packing OA II, including, but not limited to, hand packing of seed. Success in this role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety, quality, and productivity in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and promote JSS safety practices.
• Work to share our company mission and values.
• Provide a positive attitude to the work environment.
• Monitor workflow in the department to ensure efficient and accurate inventories in our products.
• Must be able to communicate well with all departments.
• Operate automated seed packing equipment and related production systems in accordance with established safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments as needed to ensure packaging accuracy, product quality, and efficient throughput.
• Perform machine setup, changeovers, calibrations, and basic troubleshooting to support varying product and packaging requirements.
• Accurately document production activities, machine settings, downtime events, and other operational records.
• Conduct routine quality checks to verify seed counts, package weights, labeling accuracy, and overall package quality.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve mechanical, electrical, or operational concerns.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities, cleaning, inspections, and equipment upkeep.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols.
• Monitor packaging material inventories and notify appropriate personnel of replenishment needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving equipment performance.
• Train and assist team members on the safe and effective operation of seed packing automation equipment as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with team members and other departments to ensure production schedules and customer service goals are achieved.
• Follow all processes and procedures applicable to Seed Packing OA II during downtime
• Perform other duties and operational tasks as assigned to support changing business needs.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer, math, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, operate, and troubleshoot automated seed packing equipment and associated production systems.
• Previous manufacturing, production, packaging, automation, or machine operation experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn automated equipment operation, setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Ability to create, read and follow written instructions, SOPs, production schedules, and technical documentation.
• Strong computer skills and ability to enter, track, and document production information accurately.
• Basic math skills required for measurements, counts, production calculations, and inventory tracking.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and compliance with company policies.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and schedule adjustments as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, communicate, and work with numbers.
• Ability to bend, pull, push, and lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 80% of the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
• Ability to climb stationary ladders and access equipment platforms.
• Ability to reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maneuver around production equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect products, packaging, labels, and machine operation with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to hear machine alarms, equipment notifications, and verbal instructions in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely work around moving mechanical equipment and follow lockout/tagout and other safety procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work in varying warehouse and production conditions, including exposure to dust, noise, and seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Float Holidays
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Assistance

Johnny's Selected Seeds was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny's mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny's is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with employee owners (FT) who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny's may be the place for you!

Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (PPO, HSA) • Dental & Vision Insurance • Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care) • Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing • 401(k) • Employee Discount • Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave • Company Paid Life Insurance • Voluntary Life Insurance • Voluntary Pet Insurance • Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance • Paid Time Off & Float Holidays • Paid Holidays • Educational Assistance