Packaging Operator

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate bagging and packaging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Obtain and verify bagging instructions, including product quantity, bin location, lot numbers, and special handling requirements.
• Manually load 50–55 pound bags onto pallets according to production specifications.
• Operate forklifts to transport bags, pallets, wrapping materials, and finished product.
• Apply, scan, and verify barcode labels to maintain accurate inventory and product traceability.
• Mark bags with appropriate lot numbers and verify product identification.
• Weigh filled bags and accurately record weights and production data.
• Perform periodic quality checks on packaged product weights.
• Adjust bagging equipment and mechanisms as necessary to maintain proper operation and product standards.
• Wrap completed pallets and transport finished goods to designated warehouse or staging areas.
• Stack and organize pallets safely using a forklift.
• Load super sacks, bag trucks, and bulk trucks when properly trained and authorized.
• Review production paperwork, barcode labels, and related documentation for accuracy and traceability.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, equipment, and packaging stations.
• Perform housekeeping duties, including sweeping and shoveling material as needed.
• Clean packaging stations during product changeovers and properly dispose of or rework residual materials according to company procedures.
• Accurately complete disposal, rework, packaging, production, and load-out documentation.
• Maintain compliance with all Mandatory Minimum Standards and applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements, including air, wastewater, and stormwater permit requirements.
• Follow all company policies, standard operating procedures, quality requirements, and safety guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge Or Required Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous manufacturing, packaging, warehouse, or forklift experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required forklift certification.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety-related situations and hazards.
• Ability to read and understand bills of materials, lot codes, work instructions, safety manuals, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and production documentation.
• Ability to understand, read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to access email and complete required online training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of safe material handling practices and company safety procedures.
• Strong reliability, teamwork, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including temperatures ranging from approximately20°F to 120°F, as well as exposure to dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and humidity for periods of up to 12 hours.
• Repetitively lift, carry, and handle bags weighing approximately 50–55 pounds throughout the workday.
• Perform repetitive activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, climbing, reaching, and walking.
• Safely ascend and descend stairs multiple times during a shift.
• Frequently use hands, arms, and fingers to grasp, hold, move, and manipulate materials and equipment.
• Frequently climb on and off industrial equipment, including forklifts.
• Remain standing and physically active for extended periods during a 12-hour shift.
• Wear all required PPE throughout the shift, including hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and fall protection equipment when required.
• Work overtime, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.