Packaging Operator Day Shift

Location: Lakeville

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.

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…