Production and Engraving Machine Associate
Position Background
We believe farmers and ranchers are the unsung heroes of our world. They work tirelessly to feed a planet of some 8 billion people—rewarded with neither fortune nor fame, not even a thank you, sir or ma’am.
Ritchey Livestock ID manufactures a $1.00 plastic identification tag for livestock. The least we can do is make sure those tags—small but mighty—get to our customers accurately and on time. In our own little way, we help them win the day.
This role is essential to that promise. Every tag we produce starts with a machine associate who takes pride in doing the job correctly, safely and consistently is a handshake to a rancher, saying, “We see you. We’ve got you.” We choose to create a customer-first culture—and that moves through the production floor.
Position Summary
This is a full-time, hourly onsite role based in Fort Collins, CO.
- As a member of the Production Crew, you'll manufacture, engrave, inspect, and package livestock identification products while supporting quality control and continuous improvement throughout the production process. Every tag you produce helps ensure our customers receive products they can depend on for the life of the animal.
Position Hats
Machine Associate - Operate equipment and production machinery to manufacture livestock identification products with precision and consistency. Follow established production standards to ensure that every product meets customer specifications.
Guardian of Quality - Inspect every product for engraving quality, readability, color consistency, and overall appearance. If it doesn't meet Ritchey's standards, it doesn't leave your workstation.
Production Craftsman - Take pride in producing quality products efficiently while maintaining attention to detail. Consistency matters just as much as speed.
Material Wrangler - Prepare materials, replenish production supplies, organize workstations, and keep production flowing throughout the day.
Equipment Steward - Help keep machinery and workstations clean and operating efficiently. Report maintenance concerns and assist with routine equipment care.
Reliable Hand - Pitch in wherever needed to support the Shipping, Production, and Customer Service teams. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area while following company procedures and safety guidelines.
Always Ready to Ride - Approach each day with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to helping the team succeed. Take pride in producing quality work, meeting deadlines, and delivering exceptional customer experience.
Specific Responsibilities
Always starting with our farmers and ranchers in mind…
Machine Operation
- Operate engraving or manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently.
- Produce livestock identification products according to customer specifications.
- Read work orders and verify production requirements.
- Monitor product quality throughout the manufacturing process.
- Maintain production efficiency while meeting quality expectations.
- Package completed products for the next stage of production or shipment.
Quality Control Support
- Inspect products for accuracy and readability.
- Verify product colors, numbering, lettering, and engraving quality.
- Identify defects and remove non-conforming products.
- Notify the Production Lead of quality concerns.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
Production Support
- Prepare production materials.
- Restock workstations.
- Assist with inventory of production materials.
- Keep work areas clean and organized using 5S principles.
- Cross-train in multiple production processes.
WHO WE NEED – KEY EXPERTISE & REQUIREMENTS
- 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
- Willingness to learn and improve
- Manufacturing or production experience is helpful but not required
- Injection molding experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right people
- High School or equivalent preferred
Who we really want
We want dependable people who take pride in doing small things well. We can teach production. We can teach software. We can't teach integrity, work ethic, or caring about doing the job right.
People who:
- Show up consistently
- Enjoy hands on work
- Work hard without needing constant supervision
- Support their teammates
- Care about quality
- Understand that small details matter
This role is a great fit for someone who:
- Enjoys hands-on work
- Enjoys repetitive work done well
- Likes staying busy
- Appreciates routine and teamwork
- Finds satisfaction in precision
- Prefers working with their hands instead of sitting behind a desk
- Wants stable, long-term employment
- Enjoys seeing a finished product at the end of the day
This job may not be for you if...
- You struggle with punctuality or attendance
- You dislike repetitive work
- You rush through details carelessly
- You prefer sitting most of the day
- You dislike teamwork or structured production environments
- You are uncomfortable working around machinery
- 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
- A company serving agriculture for more than 60 years
Job Type
- Full-Time, Hourly, Non- Exempt
- Onsite (Fort Collins, CO)
- Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
Reports to
About the Company
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:
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
