Packaging Operator

Packaging Operator

The Packaging Operator safely operates carbonate conveying and hydroxide packaging equipment to package lithium hydroxide into bags, drums, and supersacks according to defined product standards and customer requirements. This role supports overall production and customer delivery needs by ensuring accurate packaging, proper labeling, and adherence to safety and regulatory procedures in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate carbonate conveying and hydroxide packaging equipment to package lithium hydroxide into bags, drums, and supersacks in line with product standards and customer specifications.
• Monitor processing and auxiliary equipment to predict or detect malfunctions, and either perform minor repairs or submit work order notifications for required maintenance.
• Draw finished product samples and submit them to Quality Control for testing to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Ensure all products are properly packaged and labeled in accordance with customer requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
• Inspect and maintain safety-related equipment and uphold high standards of housekeeping and orderliness within the packaging department.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials to and from the packaging area and within the facility as needed.
• Operate forklifts, power tools, and specialized equipment as outlined in standard operating procedures (SOPs) to perform assigned tasks and manage inventory of packaging materials.
• Use the Safety Incident Management System (SIMS) to initiate and update incident and near-miss reports and document results of incident investigations.
• Follow all applicable RCRA, SPCC, and Hazmat rules and procedures and reinforce these practices with others in the work area.
• Participate in scheduled and unscheduled safety meetings and huddles to raise safety awareness and contribute to a strong safety culture.
• Actively participate in safety programs including OIA, HARM, MOC, SIMS, CPAR, and all site work permits.
• Contribute to incident investigations by helping identify root causes and recommending appropriate corrective actions to improve safety and environmental performance.
• Participate actively in the plant Hazwoper program and follow all related procedures.
• Complete all required SAP transactions accurately using keyboard entry or bar code scanning to maintain correct inventory and production records.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks on packaging equipment used for lithium hydroxide, ensuring equipment reliability and minimal downtime.
• Stretch wrap all palletized materials for shipment or for placement in drive-through racks to ensure load stability.
• Clean, stretch wrap, label, placard, and block/brace dangerous goods shipments in accordance with 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG regulations.
• Capture, record, and save electronic images of full truckload shipments for documentation and compliance purposes.
• Report incoming and outgoing wood packaging materials in line with International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ISPM 15 standards.
• Offload inbound containerized and truckload shipments and place materials in designated bin locations, including double or triple stacking where required.
• Perform multiple job functions across receiving, plant stores, and shipping as needed to support overall operations.
• Use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, VMX, and other business systems to communicate work instructions, order statuses, and job assignments.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, working a 4x10 schedule and being available on any day of the week as scheduled in advance.

Essential Skills

• Experience handling and moving free-flowing powders, including working safely around airborne particulates and high-density materials.
• Ability to consistently lift up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
• Proven manufacturing packaging experience, preferably in a production or industrial environment.
• Proficiency operating a sit-down forklift, with certification to operate powered industrial trucks.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Minimum of six months of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate multiple job functions in receiving, plant stores, and shipping.
• Competence using business systems such as SAP, SIMS, MOC, CPAR, and QSA for data entry and process tracking.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and VMX for communication and documentation.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Understanding of 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG regulations related to dangerous goods packaging and shipment.
• Knowledge of loading containers and trailers to distribute loads evenly and meet DOT requirements.
• Ability to perform minor maintenance tasks on packaging equipment.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Demonstrated customer focus and action-oriented mindset.
• Ability to use PPE consistently, including steel-toe footwear, safety goggles, hard hat, PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) hood, and uniforms.
• Ability to work a 4x10 schedule (5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and be available to work any day of the week as scheduled.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality, with a strong sense of responsibility for being on time and present for scheduled shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two-year degree in a relevant field is desired but not required.
• Chemical industry experience is a strong plus.
• Experience working with Hazwoper programs and hazardous materials handling.
• Familiarity with safety programs such as OIA, HARM, MOC, SIMS, and CPAR.
• Comfort working in full PPE, including PAPR hoods and layered protective equipment, without claustrophobia.
• Experience working with warehouse inventory management and documentation.
• Ability to offload containerized and truckload shipments and organize materials in designated storage areas.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Capability to adapt to changing priorities and perform multiple roles within the plant as needed.

Why Work Here?

You join a safety-focused organization that invests in structured training, clear procedures, and robust safety programs to protect its workforce. You gain exposure to modern manufacturing systems, including SAP and advanced safety management tools, building valuable, transferable skills for your long-term career. You work on a predictable 4x10 schedule with advance notice of shifts, supporting work-life balance and planning outside of work. You start on a contract basis with the opportunity to apply for permanent roles, giving you a clear pathway to longer-term employment and advancement. You become part of a culture that values reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, encouraging employees to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled industrial manufacturing facility, where temperatures can vary with the seasons and process conditions. Work involves frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as operating forklifts and other powered industrial equipment in active production and warehouse areas. The environment includes exposure to free-flowing powders and airborne particulates, with strict controls and ventilation systems in place. Personal protective equipment is mandatory and includes steel-toe footwear, safety goggles, hard hat, uniforms, and a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) hood that supplies fresh air; employees must be comfortable wearing full PPE for extended periods and should not be prone to claustrophobia. The standard schedule follows four 10-hour shifts (typically 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and employees must be able to work any day of the week as assigned, with schedules provided about a month in advance. The facility emphasizes housekeeping, orderly work areas, and adherence to safety, environmental, and hazardous materials regulations, creating a structured and safety-conscious work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bessemer City, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.25 - $23.11/hr.

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