POSITION

•PRODUCTION

MACHINE OPERATOR POSITION BACKGROUND

We believe farmers and ranchers are the unsung heroes of our world. They work tirelessly to feed a growing planet, often without recognition, applause, or even a simple thank you. At Ritchey Livestock ID, we manufacture a small plastic livestock tag that helps producers identify and care for their animals. It may seem like a small thing, but to the rancher waiting on an accurate order during calving season, details matter. That is why this role matters. Every tag we produce starts with a machine operator who takes pride in doing the job correctly, safely, and consistently.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

These tags are not luxury products. They are work tools used in dust, mud, snow, heat, and long days on the ranch. A bad batch, poor quality, or production mistake can create real problems for hardworking customers who rely on us to get it right. As a Production Machine Operator, you help ensure the products leaving our facility meet the quality and consistency our customers depend on. You do not need a fancy degree to make a meaningful impact here. We are looking for dependable people who show up, care about quality, work safely, and take pride in doing small things well.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Always starting with our farmers and ranchers in mind … Operate injection molding equipment safely and efficiently Monitor machines and production flow throughout the shift Inspect molded parts for quality, consistency, and defects Trim, sort, count, and package molded products as needed Maintain accurate production and traceability documentation Keep workstations clean, organized, and safe Assist with material handling and basic production support tasks Communicate equipment or quality concerns to supervisors promptly Help ensure production goals are met without sacrificing quality or safety

WHO WE NEED

Preferred Skills Reliable attendance and punctuality Ability to work safely around machinery and manufacturing equipment Strong attention to detail and quality Ability to follow processes and instructions consistently Comfortable performing repetitive work at a steady pace Team-first attitude and positive communication skills Ability to stay focused during long production runs Willingness to learn and improve Experience Manufacturing or production experience is helpful but not required Injection molding experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right people Education High school diploma or equivalent preferred

WHO WE WANT

We want dependable people who take pride in doing small things well. People who understand that consistency matters. People who care about quality even when nobody is watching. This role is a great fit for someone who: enjoys hands-on work likes staying busy appreciates routine and consistency prefers working with their hands instead of sitting behind a desk wants to be part of a stable, growing company values teamwork, accountability, and reliability

THIS JOB MAY NOT BE FOR YOU IF

… You struggle with punctuality or attendance You dislike repetitive work You rush through details carelessly You are uncomfortable working around machinery You prefer sitting most of the day You dislike structured production environments You struggle following safety procedures consistently You are looking for a temporary "in-between" job

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

Small company atmosphere A culture focused on getting a little better each day A place where your work genuinely matters Stable full-time schedule Safe and clean work environment Four-day work week A company serving agriculture for more than 60 years

PHYSICAL / WORK EXPECTATIONS

Standing for extended periods Repetitive hand and production work Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs. Fast-paced manufacturing environment during busy seasons Exposure to production machinery, noise, and warehouse conditions

JOB TYPE

Full-time Four 10-hour shifts

Monday-Thursday Available Shifts Day Shift:

3:30 a.m.

•2:00 p.m.

Evening Shift:

2:00 p.m.

•12:30 a.m. PAY $16

•17 per hour Paid holidays Vacation eligibility after 6 months Please Note Health insurance is not currently offered

REPORTS TO

Manufacturing Manager

WORK AUTHORIZATION.

• United States (Required). Ritchey Manufacturing is a drug-free workplace. All candidates must be able to pass a drug screen.

THE RITCHEY MANIFESTO

(part mission, part why, part purpose, and part because) Ritchey Livestock ID is a little company that believes in big ideas; a company that enjoys the grind of getting better each day. We make farm & ranch life easier through superior service and by producing a livestock ID tag that Never Fades.

COMPANY HISTORY

Eugene "Gene" Ritchey and his wife, Jo, founded Ritchey in 1964. Gene was raised on a dairy farm and became a lifelong farming and ranching businessman. Through Gene's experience in agriculture, he understood the need for livestock identification that lasts for the life of the animal. For over 50 years, Gene, Jo, and their sons Grant and Craig manufactured the only tags in the market allowing numbers and/or letters to be permanently engraved into a dual-colored tag. This unique method results in information that

NEVER FADES

, guaranteed. Ritchey Ear Tags are second to none in the industry

•unsurpassed in legibility, retention, and durability. In 2020, the Ritchey family sold the company to the Robert L. Kelley Jr. family out of Western Nebraska. The Kelley family, with deep roots in farming and ranching stretching down to 1926, has doubled down on a strategy to provide the best customer experience and identification tag in the industry. Ritchey Livestock ID is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing an environment of respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Pay:

$16.00

•$17.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off Professional development assistance Application Question(s): While it's in our strategic plan for 2027, we do not currently offer health benefits. We'd prefer to be open and honest about who we are today. Is that acceptable?

Work Location:

In person