Packaging Operator

Job Title: Packaging Operator

Job Description

The Packaging Operator plays a key role in a production facility by safely and efficiently bagging, weighing, sealing, and preparing product for shipment. This role involves operating packaging machinery, performing accurate measurements, and following strict food safety and FDA regulations while working in a physically demanding, production-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging and bagging machinery to fill, weigh, and seal bags of product according to established standards and procedures.
• Accurately weigh bags using basic math skills to ensure correct product quantities before placing them on skids.
• Handle, lift, and move 50 lb bags repeatedly throughout the shift while maintaining safe lifting techniques.
• Prepare finished product for shipment, including stacking, organizing, and staging pallets in designated areas.
• Follow FDA and food safety regulations at all times, including compliance with hygiene, cleanliness, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, performing housekeeping tasks and cleaning equipment during downtime or as assigned.
• Monitor machinery for proper operation, report any issues or irregularities, and support basic troubleshooting as directed.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet production goals, support smooth workflow, and assist in other production or packaging areas as needed.
• Wear required safety gear, including protective shoes, hairnet, beard net, lab coat, ear plugs, safety glasses, and respirator when necessary.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including safe operation of equipment and compliance with facility rules regarding jewelry, facial hair, nails, and lashes.
• Demonstrate reliability and strong work ethic to support potential long-term and permanent placement opportunities.
• Participate in training with the goal of becoming certified to operate a forklift for future responsibilities if converted to a permanent role.

Essential Skills

• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lb bags and perform physically demanding tasks for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to stand on feet for most of a 12-hour shift in a hot work environment.
• Basic mathematical skills to accurately weigh bags and verify correct quantities.
• Previous experience in a food and beverage manufacturing or FDA-regulated environment (REQUIRED).
• Understanding of and adherence to FDA regulations and food safety rules, including restrictions on jewelry, nails, lashes, and facial hair.
• Willingness and ability to be trained and certified on a forklift for future responsibilities.
• Strong commitment to quality control and attention to detail in all packaging and production tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.
• Compliance with safety requirements, including wearing protective shoes and using provided safety gear.
• Willingness to shave (with the option to keep a goatee) to meet respirator and food safety requirements.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts on a 3-days-on, 3-days-off schedule, including evenings and nights as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a packaging operator, machine operator, general production worker, loader, or packager in a food production environment.
• Familiarity with operating or working around production machinery and automated equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and written instructions in a regulated environment.
• Strong sense of responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and housekeeping in a production setting.
• Comfort working in areas with strong odors and damp conditions, such as yeast production rooms and coolers.
• Protective shoes with steel or composite toes (required and provided by the employee).

Why Work Here?

You will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that values teamwork, reliability, and a strong commitment to quality. The role offers a clear pathway to permanent placement for those who perform well and demonstrate dedication. Employees have the opportunity to access benefits upon conversion and work within an environment that emphasizes safety, training, and long-term growth. The consistent schedule allows for predictable time off and supports a balanced approach to managing work and personal responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position operates in an FDA-regulated food production facility focused on yeast manufacturing. You will typically work 12-hour shifts on either 1st shift (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) or 2nd shift (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), following a 3-days-on, 3-days-off schedule without rotation, with the greatest need on 2nd shift. Work takes place in various packaging rooms and coolers that remain around 50 degrees year-round. The environment can be hot at times and requires heavy lifting and extended periods of standing. As part of the FDA-regulated setting, no jewelry, false nails, false eyelashes, or non-removable piercings are allowed, and facial hair must comply with respirator and food safety rules. You will wear a full uniform and personal protective equipment, including hairnet, beard net (if applicable), lab coat, ear plugs, safety glasses, and respirator as needed, all provided by the facility. Steel or composite toe protective shoes are required and must be supplied by the employee.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, TN.

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Memphis,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

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.