Packager

Production Blending and Packaging OperatorThis role involves operating blending and packaging equipment to dispense powdered product into bags, perform accurate weighing, and prepare finished goods for shipment in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will handle frequent lifting, palletizing, and visual quality checks while following strict safety and cleanliness standards.ResponsibilitiesOperate blending machines to dispense powdered product into bags according to established procedures.Position open bags at the end of the funnel and use a foot press to control product flow from the hopper into the bag.Weigh each bag on a scale and add or remove product to achieve the correct 50-pound weight.Place filled bags onto the automatic sealer line, monitor the sealing process, and retrieve sealed bags at the end of the line.Perform visual inspections on sealed bags to confirm proper sealing and overall product quality.Continuously stack sealed bags onto pallets for shipment, maintaining an efficient and organized palletizing process.Repeat the filling, weighing, sealing, inspecting, and palletizing cycle throughout the shift, with a target of approximately 60 bags per hour.Lift, carry, and move 50-pound bags repeatedly while standing, bending, and walking for the majority of the workday.Follow all production, safety, and food handling procedures in an open production environment.Use basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, to verify weights and quantities.Collaborate with 12 coworkers in the blending room to maintain steady workflow and meet production goals.Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper use and storage of personal protective equipment.Essential SkillsAt least 6 months of experience in a manufacturing or factory setting.Experience in the food industry is preferred and helps with understanding food safety practices.Ability to lift and move 50-pound bags repeatedly throughout the workday.Capability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, to verify product weights.Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with repetitive tasks and continuous movement.Attention to detail for accurate weighing and thorough visual inspection of sealed bags.Reliability and consistency in following production procedures and safety guidelines.Willingness to learn and, if applicable, operate a forklift as needed.Prior forklift experience is a plus.Ability to stand, bend, lift, and walk for extended periods in an open production area.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrevious experience in food manufacturing or food production environments.Prior forklift operation experience or a strong willingness to learn forklift operation.Familiarity with production, general labor, packaging, and equipment operation in a factory setting.Comfort working closely with a small team in a confined production room.Strong work ethic and desire for long-term growth and advancement within a production environment.Why Work Here?You will join a workplace that offers strong long-term growth potential, including opportunities to move into blending and machine operation roles that are less physically demanding and offer higher earning potential. The organization provides consistent overtime opportunities, competitive pay, and clear pathways for advancement, allowing you to build a stable and rewarding career in production and manufacturing.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in an open production environment within a food manufacturing facility. You will work primarily in a blending room with one to two other people, in a space of roughly 20 feet by 20 feet, with a hopper above and a funnel leading down to the filling station. The process involves placing an open bag at the funnel, using a foot press to control product flow, moving the filled bag about 34 feet to a scale for weight adjustment, then lifting the bag and placing it on an automatic sealer line located about 23 feet behind you. After walking the length of the sealer machine, you will retrieve the sealed bag, visually inspect it, and stack it on a pallet at the end of the line. This cycle is repeated frequently, with a target of around 60 bags per hour. The position requires continuous standing, bending, lifting, and moving 50-pound bags throughout the shift. You must wear a hair net, gloves, and steel-toed boots while on the production floor. Gloves and hair nets are provided, while steel-toed boots must be supplied by you and must remain on-site in your locker when not in use. A personal locker is provided, and you must supply your own lock. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to food production standards.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of SLEEPY EYE, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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)