The Production Associate is a frontline manufacturing team member responsible for operating production equipment, maintaining quality standards, and supporting efficient throughput within HBH's Manufacturing division. This role is integral to producing the nutrient, substrate, and specialty agriculture products that serve commercial and independent growers across HBH's omnichannel platform. The Production Associate operates with discipline and attention to detail - executing SOPs precisely, flagging quality or safety concerns promptly, and supporting continuous improvement in a fast-paced production environment. Key Responsibilities. Production Operations. Operate and monitor production machinery and equipment to ensure smooth, on-schedule operation. Follow production schedules and instructions to meet daily and weekly output targets. Assist with non-machine production activities including re-bagging, liquid mixing, and manual assembly. Support routine maintenance and minor equipment repairs as directed. Assist with cycle counts and inventory verification as needed. Quality Control. Follow all production SOPs before, during, and after each run to ensure products meet quality standards. Identify and immediately report defects, process deviations, or equipment issues to the Production Supervisor or Plant Manager. Participate in quality checks and ensure batch documentation is complete and accurate. Safety & Compliance. Adhere to all safety guidelines, protocols, and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe working environment. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and follow all safety procedures without exception. Report any safety hazards, incidents, or near-misses promptly to the Production Supervisor. Maintain awareness of GMP, OSHA, and facility-specific compliance standards. Process Improvement. Assist in identifying and communicating opportunities to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste. Participate in training and development programs to stay current on best practices and new techniques. Support implementation of process changes as directed by Production Supervisor or Plant Manager. Team Collaboration & Communication. Collaborate with team members to maintain smooth workflow and efficient production handoffs. Communicate production status, equipment concerns, and quality observations clearly to supervisors and colleagues. Contribute to a respectful, safe, and productive team environment. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Production target attainment = 95% of scheduled daily output. Quality defect / rework rate: 0 defects per production batch. SOP compliance: 100% adherence during pre-, mid-, and post-production checks. Safety incidents: 0 preventable incidents; near-misses reported within same shift. Unplanned equipment downtime attributed to operator error: 0 occurrences per quarter. Attendance and punctuality: = 98% adherence to scheduled hours. Key Challenges. Maintaining consistent product quality and SOP adherence while operating at pace in a high-volume production environment. Quickly identifying and escalating equipment malfunctions or quality deviations before they affect downstream output. Balancing speed, safety, and accuracy simultaneously - particularly during high-demand production runs. Adapting efficiently to changes in production schedules, formulations, or equipment setups with minimal disruption. Supporting a culture of continuous improvement while executing repetitive production tasks with sustained precision. Job Knowledge, Skills & Experience. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training is a plus. Prior experience in a manufacturing, production, or warehouse environment preferred. Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate production machinery. Working knowledge of quality control processes, GMP principles, and safety regulations. Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify process deviations quickly. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; comfortable standing for extended periods in an active production facility. Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively within a team environment.