Entry Level Production Associate

Aerotek
Santa Cruz, CA

Job Title: Entry-Level Production Associate

Shift: 2pm-10:30pm (OT opportunity on Saturdays)

Pay: $18.77 (weekly pay)

Job Description

The general production worker supports daily operations on the production line by producing and packing food products according to established specifications. This role follows recipes and written instructions, operates equipment safely and efficiently, and maintains a clean and sanitary work area. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the ability to work effectively as part of a fast-paced production team.

Responsibilities

  • Produce and pack products according to established specifications and quality standards.
  • Read, understand, and follow recipes and written work instructions accurately.
  • Maintain the work area in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Operate production and packaging equipment safely and efficiently as required for each job.
  • Follow all GMP, food safety, workplace safety, and company guidelines during all tasks.
  • Inspect products for potential defects or irregularities and promptly report issues to the appropriate personnel.
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet production goals and deadlines.
  • Adapt to working in various departments and support different roles as needed.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties as assigned to support overall production operations.

Essential Skills

  • Experience working in a production, packaging, or general labor role in a fast-paced environment, preferably within a food manufacturing facility.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly during the shift.
  • Ability to perform general production tasks, including inspection and packing of products.
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safe food handling procedures.
  • Ability to understand and follow recipes, written instructions, and standard operating procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment.
  • Flexibility to work in various departments and change roles as business needs require.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Familiarity with working on a warehouse or production line environment.
  • Comfort working in a loud environment with running machinery and equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail when inspecting products for quality and defects.
  • Commitment to maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety in the work area.
  • Reliability and consistency in attendance and meeting production expectations.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a competitive package that supports both their professional and personal well-being. Eligible full-time team members have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and additional offerings, as well as paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. The organization emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and long-term growth, providing a stable environment where employees can build skills and advance their careers.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large warehouse and production line setting within a food manufacturing facility. The temperature remains comfortable, neither too cold nor too hot, and the air often has a fruity aroma due to the products being made. The environment can be loud in certain areas because of operating equipment, and employees should be comfortable working around machinery and production noise. The facility is kept very clean, with a strong focus on sanitation and safety, and team members are expected to follow all safety protocols and guidelines while on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Cruz, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.77 - $18.77/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Cruz,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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