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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Food Packaging Operator

💰 $17 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionFood & BeverageGeneral Labor

🎯 Role Definition

The Food Packaging Operator is a crucial member of our production team, responsible for the hands-on operation of packaging equipment and the final presentation of our food products. This role ensures that all items are packaged in compliance with our strict quality, safety, and efficiency standards. The ideal candidate is vigilant, mechanically inclined, and committed to maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment, directly contributing to the integrity of our brand and the satisfaction of our customers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Production Helper

Advancement To:

  • Packaging Line Lead
  • Senior Machine Operator
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
  • Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Material Handler / Forklift Operator
  • Sanitation Technician
  • Batching / Mixing Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Skillfully operate and monitor a variety of automated packaging equipment, including fillers, sealers, labelers, and case erectors, to ensure continuous and efficient production flow.
  • Meticulously perform routine quality control checks on products and packaging to guarantee they meet stringent company and regulatory standards for weight, appearance, and seal integrity.
  • Diligently adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety protocols (HACCP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure product safety and quality.
  • Proactively monitor the flow of products and materials on the production line, identifying and resolving potential jams or bottlenecks to minimize downtime.
  • Accurately set up, calibrate, and perform changeovers of packaging equipment at the beginning of shifts and between production runs according to detailed product specifications.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area at all times, including performing routine cleaning and sanitation of equipment and the surrounding production environment.
  • Precisely document and record critical production data, including lot numbers, batch codes, quantities produced, downtime, and quality check results, ensuring full traceability.
  • Effectively troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and perform basic preventative maintenance tasks to support equipment reliability and performance.
  • Communicate clearly and promptly with Line Leads, Supervisors, and Quality Assurance personnel regarding any production deviations, equipment issues, or quality concerns.
  • Verify that all correct labeling, date coding, and packaging materials (e.g., film, bags, boxes) are used for each specific production run to prevent errors.
  • Systematically weigh, measure, and inspect finished products to ensure they consistently meet precise weight, dimension, and appearance specifications.
  • Safely load and replenish packaging materials, such as film rolls, labels, and cardboard blanks, onto the appropriate machinery to maintain uninterrupted operation.
  • Carefully stack and palletize finished cases of product, ensuring stability and proper labeling, preparing them for transfer to warehousing or shipment.
  • Consistently follow all established workplace safety procedures and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) without exception.
  • Actively participate in equipment changeovers, working collaboratively with the team to efficiently transition the packaging line for different products or packaging formats.

Secondary Functions

  • Identify, segregate, and properly document any non-conforming products or packaging materials for quality review and disposition.
  • Demonstrate flexibility by rotating through different positions on the packaging line as directed to support team goals and cover absences.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement programs and kaizen events aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and improving safety.
  • Verify that all raw materials and packaging components used in the process are correct, within date, and have been formally approved for use.
  • Conduct critical control point (CCP) verifications as required by the food safety plan, such as metal detector checks, and accurately record the results.
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members, sharing knowledge of procedures and equipment operation.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate, monitor, and perform basic adjustments on food packaging machinery (e.g., VFFS, HFFS, cartoners, case packers).
  • Food Safety Knowledge: Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety principles like HACCP.
  • Quality Control: Experience performing in-process quality checks, including weight checks, seal integrity tests, and visual inspections.
  • Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues on production line equipment.
  • Technical Documentation: Competency in reading and interpreting production schedules, work orders, and technical specifications.
  • Material Handling: Experience operating manual or electric pallet jacks to move materials and finished goods is a plus.
  • Basic Math & Computer Skills: Proficiency in basic arithmetic for record-keeping and data entry into production tracking systems.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus on accuracy to ensure product quality, correct labeling, and packaging integrity.
  • Pace and Urgency: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment while maintaining high standards.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive production team.
  • Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills to report issues and collaborate with team members and supervisors.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying problems, analyzing the cause, and finding effective solutions.
  • Reliability & Work Ethic: A strong sense of dependability, punctuality, and commitment to completing tasks thoroughly.
  • Adaptability: Willingness to learn new processes, operate different machinery, and adapt to changing production demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or technical certification in machine operation, industrial maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or packaging environment.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience specifically within the food and beverage manufacturing industry, with direct, hands-on experience following GMP and food safety protocols in a packaging role.
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