Job Details

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products areused in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

At Mycorrhizal Applications (MA), we are dedicated to sustainability by providing the agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, and forestry industries with efficient and effective microbial-based biorational solutions. As the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of mycorrhizal soil inoculants, MA researches, produces, and markets mycorrhizal fungi which accelerate plant performance by greatly increasing the surface absorbing area of roots, producing a healthier root system.

General Description:

The Production Operator ensures the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of in-vitro plant production lines. This role is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining automated and manual production equipment, including filling, mixing, sterilizing, harvesting, and packaging systems, while consistently meeting quality, safety, and production standards.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor production equipment in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety guidelines.
• Maintain quality and production standards while operating automated and manual equipment.
• Perform equipment start-up checks and basic preventive maintenance.
• Inspect work areas continuously to identify and prevent potential product contamination.
• Load raw materials, packaging materials, and components into equipment per SOPs.
• Monitor robotic systems, stop operations as needed, correct minor issues (e.g., replacing missing trays), and communicate problems to maintenance or supervisors.
• Respond to equipment alarms or malfunctions by troubleshooting, clearing jams, resetting machines, and escalating issues when necessary.
• Unload finished products, trays, and growth containers and transfer batches to the next stage of the process.
• Operate and monitor fillers, conveyors, and sealers; clear jams and ensure proper operation.
• Perform quality control checks, including monitoring temperatures, fill levels, and seal integrity.
• Verify finished products meet company quality standards before release to the next process step.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, tools, and workstation areas using both automatic and manual methods at the end of each shift or as required.
• Monitor recycling bins and replace when full.
• Use forklifts and pallet jacks to move palletized materials safely.
• Communicate effectively and coordinate tasks with other operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
• Work in a controlled, clean production environment while adhering to all safety policies and procedures.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably with automated equipment.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions and SOPs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff.
• Knowledge of quality assurance practices is a plus.
• Forklift experience is required.

Qualifications:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the workday.
• Capacity to frequently bend, crouch, kneel and stoop to perform operational duties.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage tasks, materials, and equipment efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to read, understand, and follow written instructions and SOPs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with coworkers and management.
• Proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with the ability to troubleshoot and implement solutions in a timely manner.

What We Offer:

You'll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all eligible full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent North America LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company's founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent North America LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.