Packaging Operator

Position Summary

We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused Packaging Operator to join our manufacturing team. This hands-on position is responsible for operating packaging equipment, preparing finished product for shipment, safely moving materials with a forklift, and maintaining accurate production and inventory records.

The Packaging Operator plays an important role in keeping production and shipping operations running safely, efficiently, and accurately. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in quality, and works well in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Starting Pay: $22.84/hour + $1.00/hour Night Shift Differential

Shift is C-Shift: 6p - 6a, rotation

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate bagging and packaging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Obtain and verify bagging instructions, including product quantity, bin location, lot numbers, and special handling requirements.
• Manually load 50–55 pound bags onto pallets according to production specifications.
• Operate forklifts to transport bags, pallets, wrapping materials, and finished product.
• Apply, scan, and verify barcode labels to maintain accurate inventory and product traceability.
• Mark bags with appropriate lot numbers and verify product identification.
• Weigh filled bags and accurately record weights and production data.
• Perform periodic quality checks on packaged product weights.
• Adjust bagging equipment and mechanisms as necessary to maintain proper operation and product standards.
• Wrap completed pallets and transport finished goods to designated warehouse or staging areas.
• Stack and organize pallets safely using a forklift.
• Load super sacks, bag trucks, and bulk trucks when properly trained and authorized.
• Review production paperwork, barcode labels, and related documentation for accuracy and traceability.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, equipment, and packaging stations.
• Perform housekeeping duties, including sweeping and shoveling material as needed.
• Clean packaging stations during product changeovers and properly dispose of or rework residual materials according to company procedures.
• Accurately complete disposal, rework, packaging, production, and load-out documentation.
• Maintain compliance with all Mandatory Minimum Standards and applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements, including air, wastewater, and stormwater permit requirements.
• Follow all company policies, standard operating procedures, quality requirements, and safety guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous manufacturing, packaging, warehouse, or forklift experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required forklift certification.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety-related situations and hazards.
• Ability to read and understand bills of materials, lot codes, work instructions, safety manuals, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and production documentation.
• Ability to understand, read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to access email and complete required online training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of safe material handling practices and company safety procedures.
• Strong reliability, teamwork, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including temperatures ranging from approximately 20°F to 120°F, as well as exposure to dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and humidity for periods of up to 12 hours.
• Repeatedly lift, carry, and handle bags weighing approximately 50–55 pounds throughout the workday.
• Perform repetitive activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, climbing, reaching, and walking.
• Safely ascend and descend stairs multiple times during a shift.
• Frequently use hands, arms, and fingers to grasp, hold, move, and manipulate materials and equipment.
• Frequently climb on and off industrial equipment, including forklifts.
• Remain standing and physically active for extended periods during a 12-hour shift.
• Wear all required PPE throughout the shift, including hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and fall protection equipment when required.
• Work overtime, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Education