Production Operator - West Hershey Plant

Production Operator - West Hershey Plant

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Start Date: Two Hiring Classes, Starting on September 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026

Job Description:

• Operating processing and/or packaging equipment.
• Operating a fork truck.
• Following and interpreting information from processes including performing various quality checks (i.e., metal detectors, date codes, and weight systems) and following Autonomous Maintenance Programs (cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating equipment).
• Observing all safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and good housekeeping practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Proof of completion of a High School diploma/GED program.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Ability to understand and perform basic mathematics.
• Basic computer knowledge with ability to find and enter information.
• Must be flexible to work any shift during a 24-hour period (1st / 2nd / 3rd) and any variation of shift length (8 hours or 12 hours). Must be available to work weekends, holidays and overtime.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a manufacturing/food manufacturing environment, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Autonomous/Preventative Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Warehouse Management Systems such as SAP/LPR.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work from heights and in confined spaces.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and forearms.
• Walking and standing for the majority of the shift.
• Reaching, bending, stooping, and crawling.
• Ability to work around large magnets.

Benefits:

• Shift Differentials & Overtime Potential.
• Eligibility to bid for higher graded positions after Day 1.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – with generous company match.
• Hershey Stock Purchase Program.
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Career Advancement Opportunities starting Day 1.

Shifts:

• We require that you are flexible to work any shift, weekends, overtime, and holidays.
• Schedule assignment upon hire is determined by plant needs. Once your training period begins, you will be assigned to a shift and/or schedule based on current plant need. You will be eligible to bid on other schedules, shifts and jobs.
• Traditional Work Schedule (TWS): Regular schedule is 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday. Mandatory overtime could be weekly (scheduled for up to 12 hours/day, Monday through Sunday), daily (additional 4 hours on your 8-hour shift) and weekends (8 to 12-hour shifts).
• Continuous Operations Schedule (COS): 12-hour rotating schedule requiring 7 workdays in a 14-day period.

Candidate Process:

• Communications will be through email and text. Ensure you have access to a valid email.
• Applicants will complete a pre-hire assessment.
• Qualified applicants will be sent an invitation for a phone screening with the recruiter.
• Qualified applicants will be sent an invitation for an onsite interview.
• Post-Offer Drug Screen, Physical and Background Check required.

* If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to please include a resume with relevant work experience.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability. You can request an accommodation via phone or email. To request an accommodation via phone, please call  and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to  Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line.

This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.