Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Grain Packer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Grain Packer, you are a vital member of our production team, responsible for the final stage of our grain processing. You will operate packaging machinery, ensure product quality, and prepare goods for shipment. This role requires a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and a deep commitment to safety and efficiency. You will be instrumental in upholding our standards of excellence and ensuring our high-quality grain products are packaged correctly and securely. This is a hands-on position in a dynamic agricultural processing facility where your contribution directly impacts the success of our entire supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Farm Hand
Recent High School Graduate

Advancement To:

Packaging Line Lead
Quality Assurance Technician
Senior Machine Operator
Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Inventory Control Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and monitor high-speed automated and semi-automated packaging equipment, including bagging machines, scales, and sealers, to efficiently package various types of grain and feed.
Accurately weigh and measure grain products to ensure each package meets strict company and industry weight specifications and standards.
Manually stack and arrange filled bags, often weighing up to 55 lbs, onto pallets in a specific, stable pattern for safe and efficient storage and transportation.
Perform routine quality control checks on packaged products, inspecting for proper seals, correct labeling, date codes, and overall package integrity.
Conduct visual inspections of raw grain materials entering the packaging line to identify any foreign materials or quality inconsistencies.
Maintain accurate and detailed production records, including logging package counts, weights, lot numbers, and downtime for traceability and reporting purposes.
Adhere rigorously to all company safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Execute product changeovers on the packaging line, which includes cleaning equipment and adjusting settings for different products or bag sizes.
Operate a forklift or pallet jack to safely move raw materials to the production line and transport finished pallets to the warehouse or shipping area.
Maintain a clean and organized work area by performing regular housekeeping duties, including sweeping spilled grain and removing waste materials, to comply with food safety standards (GMP).
Effectively troubleshoot minor mechanical issues with packaging machinery to minimize downtime and maintain a consistent production flow.
Communicate effectively with line leads, supervisors, and maintenance personnel regarding production issues, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns.
Monitor inventory levels of packaging supplies such as bags, pallets, and shrink wrap, and report any shortages to the supervisor to prevent production delays.
Apply labels, tags, and other required identification to finished packages and pallets, ensuring all information is accurate and legible.
Operate shrink-wrapping machinery to secure and stabilize finished pallets, preparing them for shipment in accordance with customer specifications.
Follow detailed batch orders and production schedules to ensure the correct product is being packaged in the correct sequence.
Participate in end-of-shift sanitation and clean-up procedures, ensuring all equipment is properly sanitized according to food-grade standards.
Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks, ensuring that incoming materials and outgoing products are handled correctly and documented properly.
Collaborate with the quality assurance team to collect product samples for laboratory testing and analysis as required.
Cross-train on other production line positions to provide coverage and support team flexibility as needed.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc requests for manual inventory counts and warehouse organization.
Contribute to the team's continuous improvement goals by suggesting efficiency and safety enhancements.
Collaborate with the maintenance team during preventative maintenance activities on packaging equipment.
Participate in mandatory safety training sessions and contribute to a culture of safety awareness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Physical Strength: Ability to repeatedly lift, stack, and move bags weighing up to 55 lbs for the duration of a shift.
Machine Operation: Experience operating industrial packaging machinery, such as baggers, sealers, and fillers.
Basic Mathematics: Proficiency in basic math for counting, weighing, and accurate record-keeping.
Forklift Operation: Forklift Operator Certification or the ability and willingness to become certified.
-Safety Compliance: Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment stoppages and issues.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on ensuring product quality, weight accuracy, and proper labeling.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic with an excellent attendance record.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and other departments to meet production goals.
Physical Stamina: Endurance to perform manual, repetitive tasks in a physically demanding environment that may include varying temperatures.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and addressing production line interruptions or quality concerns.
Time Management: Skilled at working efficiently to meet production targets and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in a related manufacturing or agricultural field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agriculture
Manufacturing Technology
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a labor-intensive role.

Preferred:

1+ years of experience in a food processing, manufacturing, agriculture, or warehouse environment is highly preferred. Previous experience with packaging equipment or forklift operation is a significant plus.