Packaging Operator

Summary

The Packaging Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining packaging and related production equipment to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation.


Schedule:

This position is on a rotating 2-week, 2-2-3 schedule. 36 hours one week, 48 hours the next. built in overtime and a three-day weekend every other weekend!

The hours for this position are:

6:00 AM to 6:30 PM

6:00 PM to 6:30 AM

Operator I Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers.

Leveling summary: Works from SOPs performing basic operating tasks and minor adjustments with some supervision; escalates issues promptly.

• Demonstrate proficiency in one packaging area
• Operate assigned packaging or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
• Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
• Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
• Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
• Feed packaging materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
• Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
• Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
• Accurately complete required production, quality, and food safety documentation, including production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking
• Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency. Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. Beyond Trucks, Red Zone, Access, Sage, etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
• basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
• Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment once trained and authorized as needed
• Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
• Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
• Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
• Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
• Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
• Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in manufacturing areas
• Maintains a positive, professional, and team-oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
• Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
• Follow assigned work and break schedules
• Unload raw materials from railcars or trailers, including climbing to verify seal accuracy
• Perform trailer pre-load inspections (warehouse only)
• Ability to safely operate and navigate trailers into loading bays using tractor-trailers or terminal tractors (warehouse only)
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow instructions, safety rules, and standard procedures
• Ability to learn new tasks, equipment, and processes through training
• Ability to work safely and maintain attention to detail in a production environment
• Ability to use basic tools and equipment safely
• Ability to observe conditions, recognize when something is not normal, and report issues
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervision
• Ability to maintain accuracy, reliability, and focus during routine and repetitive work
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and production needs
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require

Supervisory responsibilities

• None

Required education and experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required
• Manufacturing or food production experience preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical skills

Work environment and physical demands

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, varying temperatures, and moving equipment
• Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders
• Ability to regularly lift, move, and handle up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to wear required PPE for the duration of the work shift

Benefits include:

• Direct deposit paid weekly.
• Quarterly performance bonus opportunities!
• Affordable health, vision, and dental insurance plans - Eligible 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Free health savings account with employer match.
• Fidelity 401(k) with competitive employer match - fully vested from date of hire.
• 3 weeks paid time off plus sick time (pro-rated based on start date).
• 9 paid company holidays and 3 paid personal holidays.
• Boot allowance twice per year.
• Protective equipment and company swag provided.
• Free life insurance up to $150,000.
• Free employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverages.
• Employee Assistance Programs.
• And more!

Travel required

• The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.


Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.