General Production Worker

Production WorkerThis role supports a highly automated packaging operation by running and monitoring production lines, packaging a variety of products, and ensuring consistent product quality. You will work on dip and dressing lines, operate packaging machinery, and handle materials from initial staging through finished goods. The position involves frequent use of computers and scanning equipment, regular lifting, and close attention to detail in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor packaging lines and machinery for dips, dressings, and other finished goods.Work on dip and dressing lines to ensure products flow smoothly through the production process.Package lids, bowls, bottles, and finished goods according to established standards and procedures.Inspect products for quality, consistency, and proper packaging, removing or reporting any defects.Keep product flowing on the lines by monitoring for issues and promptly addressing any interruptions.Check labels for accuracy, placement, and readability to ensure correct product identification.Unjam lines and clear minor equipment issues to maintain continuous production.Assist with changeovers between different product lines, including setups and adjustments.Monitor packaging and filling lines to ensure they operate safely and efficiently.Lift boxes onto pallets and organize finished goods for storage or shipment.Wrap pallets securely to prepare finished products for transport.Use computers to verify and print orders, ensuring correct documentation and labeling.Operate EPJS and RF scanners to track materials, products, and inventory movement.Perform general production and material handling tasks, including staging materials and loading products.Follow safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment, including appropriate footwear.Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including participation in basic housekeeping tasks.Collaborate with team members and leads to meet production goals and resolve production issues as they arise.Essential Skills2–3 years of experience working on packaging lines.2+ years of manufacturing experience in a production or general labor environment.Machine operating experience of at least 2 years in a manufacturing or packaging setting.Hands-on experience with packaging operations, including packing and packaging line work.Ability to perform heavy lifting and repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs.Experience with inspections and basic quality checks on products and packaging.Comfort using computers to verify and print orders and perform basic data entry.Ability to use EPJS and RF scanners or similar scanning technology for tracking materials and products.Experience with material handling tasks such as staging, loading, and picking.Willingness and ability to work on any of the three shifts as scheduled.Capability to perform general production and general labor tasks in a manufacturing environment.Comfort working around highly automated machinery and following operating procedures.Attention to detail when checking labels, packaging, and finished goods.Ability to work safely in a production environment and follow established safety guidelines.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrevious experience in food or chemical manufacturing environments is preferred.Familiarity with setups and changeovers on packaging or production lines.Experience with wrapping pallets and preparing finished goods for shipment.Ability to troubleshoot minor equipment jams and keep production lines running.Experience working in a smaller facility and collaborating closely with a tight-knit production team.Strong communication skills to coordinate with operators, leads, and other team members.Ability to adapt to a busy production schedule and manage multiple tasks during a shift.Why Work Here?Employees join a profitable and stable company that offers clear opportunities for growth into senior operator and lead roles. The organization maintains a consistently busy operation, providing steady work and the potential for pay increases upon conversion. Team members enjoy a clean cafeteria and common areas, access to discounted products from the facility, and the chance to work with highly automated machinery in a modern production environment.Work EnvironmentThe role is based on a normal production floor within a temperature-controlled facility. The operation runs on three shifts: 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday night. The facility is relatively small, with around 110 employees, fostering a close-knit work environment. Common areas and the cafeteria are kept clean, and employees can purchase products from the facility at discounted rates. The production floor features highly automated machinery, packaging lines, and the use of EPJS and RF scanners. Appropriate protective footwear, such as steel-toed boots, is required as part of the standard dress code for working safely on the production floor.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Thornton, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Thornton,IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.