Packaging Technician I

About the role

Reports to: Operations Team Leader
Location: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Bowling Green, Kentucky
Travel: n/a
Scope of Responsibility: To package product according to Hill’s quality standards and guidelines.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepares, starts up and runs line (requires bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, repetitive motion in the arms and back, standing on feet for a maximum of 12 hours, routinely climbing up to 3 flights of stairs of 15 steps each, and mental concentration).
• Objects to be lifted that may weigh 50 pounds include bags of product that must be cut open and reworked. Consequences of not being able to lift these bags include having to scrap the materials rather than being able to use it in the production process which could result in a significant adverse financial impact.
• Communicates with outgoing line person from prior shift to ascertain line status.
• Conducts visual and hands on inspection of Packaging machinery and equipment to ensure full functionality prior to starting the line and during line operation.
• Operates all sealers for all size bags.
• Hand stacks all bag sizes (1-50 lbs bags).
• Changes carrier screens to accommodate different size product.
• Troubleshoot minor problems that occur on the line.
• Weights product (requires lifting up to 50 lbs), measures kibble size for length of variation, and records the data every half hour on control charts and into the shop floor computer system.
• Visually inspects product every half hour for consistency of color, shape, and product consistency (mixing of product). Takes samples of product every half hour by placing in plastic container.
• Gathers sample containers at end of shift and delivers to the Lab for second inspection and analyticals, and provides empty containers for incoming shift.
• Takes EEC (European Economic Community) samples for Salmonella testing according to set guidelines.
• Operates Palletizer for bags sized 2 lbs through 40 lbs.
• Plays protective cardboard covers over pallets before pallets are shrink wrapped.
• Operates and maintains Shrink wrap machine and changes out rolls of shrink wrap as needed (requires lifting up to 45 lbs).
• Generates bar code labels utilizing WonderWare computer software and Zebra printers and affixes bar code labels to completed pallets after they come off the Packaging line.
• Reconciles reports through Materials Services to ensure finished goods accountability.
• Attends team meetings and obtains information from outgoing shift.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary work area (requires sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, shoveling, and pushing).
• Accountable for meeting or exceeding safety standards according to the published Hill’s Safety Policy at the Bowling Green plant.
• Understand and comply with Hill’s policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety. Identify and report Food Safety issues to management.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 Years Of Experience In The Manufacturing Environment.
• Must be able to work the assigned shift with additional overtime as needed.
• Proficient with computers, software, and data processing.

Managing Materials and Services

• Managing the supply chain flow of direct materials from the acquisition of raw and packaging material to production of finished goods, as well as indirect materials and services for all functions throughout our business.
• Knowledge of materials needed to produce different products.
• Communicates with the Lead Operator and/or other colleagues considering the need for material.
• Arranges internal transport of material.

Continuous Improvement

• Selects and applies continuous improvement tools to drive growth, profitability and people development.
• Makes use of available continuous improvement tools, such as improvement proposals and vertical teams.
• Aware of and contribute to the KPIs / objectives of the plant.
• Takes initiatives to optimize working activities and machinery (CIR).
• Being able to share knowledge and experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $24.50 - $28.70 USD
Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.
Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements.
Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year).
Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.