Packaging Operator

Position Summary

The Packaging Operator is responsible for operating packaging equipment to package finished product, palletize materials, and transport finished goods to designated warehouse locations using a forklift. This position supports production and shipping operations by loading trucks, maintaining clean and organized work areas, and accurately completing required production and inventory documentation. The Packaging Operator is expected to follow all safety, quality, and operational procedures while working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This position requires availability for night shift, weekends, and rotating schedules as needed. The assigned schedule is a rotating 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM shift. Starting pay is $22.84 per hour, with an additional $1.00 per hour night shift differential.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with all Mandatory Minimum Standards and applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements within assigned areas of responsibility, including adherence to air permits, wastewater permits, stormwater permits, and other regulatory requirements as communicated.
• Obtain and verify bagging instructions, including product quantity, bin location, lot numbers, and any special handling instructions.
• Operate forklifts to transport bags, pallets, wrapping materials, and finished product safely and efficiently.
• Review production paperwork, bar code labels, and related documentation to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Operate bagging equipment and manually load 50-pound bags onto pallets in accordance with production specifications.
• Mark bags with appropriate lot numbers and verify product identification accuracy.
• Weigh filled bags and accurately record weights and production data on load-out and packaging reports.
• Wrap completed pallets and transport finished goods to designated warehouse storage areas.
• Apply and scan bar code labels to maintain accurate inventory tracking and product traceability.
• Stack and organize pallets in designated warehouse or staging areas using a forklift.
• Perform periodic quality checks on packaged product weights to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Adjust bagging equipment and mechanisms as necessary to maintain proper operation and product standards.
• Load super sacks, bag trucks, and bulk trucks as required and when properly trained and authorized.
• Maintain work areas, equipment, and packaging stations in a clean, organized, and safe condition, including housekeeping duties such as sweeping and shoveling material when necessary.
• Clean packaging stations during product changeovers and properly dispose of or rework residual materials in accordance with company procedures.
• Accurately complete disposal and rework documentation on daily packaging and production reports.
• Follow all company policies, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines while supporting efficient plant operations and teamwork.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• Strong commitment to workplace safety with the ability to recognize, react to, and respond appropriately to safety-related situations and hazards.
• Ability to read, interpret, and comprehend bills of materials, lot codes, work instructions, safety manuals, and Safety Data Sheets.
• Ability to understand, read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to access and review email communications and complete required online training courses.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
• Knowledge of safe material handling practices and adherence to company safety policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures ranging from 20°F to 120°F, as well as dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and humidity for extended periods of up to 12 hours per shift.
• Must be capable of repeatedly lifting, carrying, and handling bags weighing approximately 50–55 pounds throughout the workday, with the ability to move substantial quantities of product during a shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, climbing, and reaching.
• Must be able to safely ascend and descend stairs multiple times per shift.
• Requires continuous use of hands, arms, and fingers to grasp, hold, move, and manipulate materials and equipment.
• Must be capable of climbing on and off industrial equipment, including forklifts, frequently throughout the shift.
• Ability to wear all required PPE for the duration of the shift, including but not limited to hard hats, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and fall protection equipment.
• Must be able to work overtime, weekends, and extended shifts as required by operational needs.

Education