Tea Operator

Founded in 1867, G.E. Barbour Inc. is a proud family-owned Canadian enterprise and Atlantic Canada’s leader in food processing and packaging. As New Brunswick’s #1 food exporter, we bring high-quality products - including household favorites like King Cole Tea, premium nut butters, spices, and extracts - to cupboards across North America and international markets.   

Operating out of our modern, SQF/GFSI safety-certified facility in Sussex, NB, our legacy is built on craftsmanship, food safety, and operational excellence. We take pride in creating clean, safe, and supportive working environments where our team members can build stable, long-term careers. Join us as we continue our 160+ year tradition of nourishing and delighting millions!

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Tea Operator to join our production team in Sussex, NB. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment used in the processing and packaging of our tea products. You will work closely with production leads and quality assurance to ensure product quality, safety, and efficiency targets are consistently met.   

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  Machine Operation: Setup, calibrate, and operate tea blending and packaging machinery according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). These machines include:

  
  
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    Universal machine (1)

    
    
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    Technapak machines (2)

    
    
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    IMA machine (1)

    
    
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    HP 200 (1), Redepak (1)

    
    
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    Pound machine (1)

    
    
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    PRIMA machine (1)

    
    
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    ILAPAK flow-wrapper (1)

    
    
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  Quality Assurance: Conduct regular visual and sensory checks on product weights, bag seals, and packaging integrity to uphold SQF/GFSI quality standards.   

  
  
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  Material Handling: Load tea leaf batches, filters, and packaging materials into equipment safely and efficiently.

  
  
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  Sanitation & Hygiene: Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation adhering strictly to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and food safety regulations.

  
  
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  Troubleshooting: Monitor equipment performance, identify minor technical or mechanical issues, and perform quick adjustments or escalate to maintenance when necessary.

  
  
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  Documentation: Keep accurate shift logs, recording production output, machine downtime, material usage, and quality checks.

  
  
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  Teamwork & Safety: Actively participate in workplace safety protocols, team huddles, and continuous improvement initiatives.   

  
  
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  Experience: Previous experience in manufacturing, food processing, or machine operation is preferred (on-the-job training provided).

  
  
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  Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.

  
  
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  Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and basic math and computer skills.

  
  
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  Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, and comfortably lift up to 5–20 lbs as needed.

  
  
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  Attributes: Reliable, punctual, safety-conscious, and a collaborative team player.   

  
  
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  Competitive wage structure with clear progression pathways

  
  
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  Comprehensive health, dental, and insurance benefits plan

  
  
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  Paid vacation and personal days

  
  
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  Safe, modern, indoor climate-controlled working environment

  
  
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  Supportive team culture rooted in a 160-year Atlantic Canadian tradition