Case Packing Operator

Position Title: Case Packing Operator

Reports To: Team Leader

FLSA Status: Hourly/ Non-Exempt

Job Grade: 1

Pay Range: $21.00-$29.28 per hour

Date Revised: April 2025

Position Overview:
The Case Packing Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of packaging line equipment, including labeling, case packing, blow molding, and palletizing. This role involves machine setup, changeovers, operation, troubleshooting, and cleaning to ensure quality production output. The Packaging Operator monitors operations to ensure products meet specifications and assists in maintaining a safe and audit-ready environment in compliance with food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow all safety protocols, GMPs, and company standards always.
• Report directly to the Team Leader and follow all assigned instructions.
• Set up, operate, and monitor packaging equipment including labelers, case packers, and palletizers.
• Load machines with required materials such as corrugate, film, labels, carriers, and preforms.
• Perform equipment changeovers, adjustments, and cleaning according to SOPs and food safety standards.
• Ensure products are packaged correctly, labeled accurately, and conform to quality specifications.
• Monitor line operations for jams, pile-ups, or malfunctions and resolve issues quickly and safely.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and preventative maintenance; escalate major issues per protocol.
• Maintain accurate counts and records of finished products and rejected items.
• Keep packaging and surrounding areas clean and organized, always maintaining an audit-ready condition.
• Assist in training new team members on equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Demonstrate awareness of visual and auditory indicators of equipment performance.
• Perform all additional duties assigned by management.

Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic math and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and follow written instructions in English.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Capable of learning and safely operating packaging equipment following a training period.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Industrial Truck Operator License (e.g., forklift certification).
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequent walking, bending, stooping, and reaching in the course of machine operation and cleaning duties.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing stairs and ladders may be required to access or service equipment.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for grasping and machine operation.
• Must be comfortable working in environments with varying temperatures and industrial noise levels.
• Must be able to perform duties safely on concrete or tile surfaces.

Food Safety Requirements:

• Promptly report any mechanical or process issues that could impact on food safety or product quality.
• Follow all food safety protocols, including the use of color-coded containers and cleaning tools.
• Understand and comply with company, customer, and regulatory food safety and quality standards.
• Take proactive steps to prevent nonconforming products or processes.
• Identify and report food safety or quality issues immediately.
• Prevent further processing or shipment of any nonconforming product until resolved.
• In the event of absence, responsibilities will be assumed by another qualified operator.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 6am-230pm. Occasional overtime and weekends to meet production needs.

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However, employees with access to compensation information as part of their job duties are prohibited from disclosing this information to unauthorized individuals, except in specific circumstances outlined by applicable laws and regulations (41 CFR 60-1.35(c)).

General Statement:

All Cayuga employees recognize that the success and prosperity of the company is everyone’s responsibility. All employees are expected to treat each other in a positive, respectful, and professional manner, to be at work for their assigned shift and to work safely as a team. Employees must be self-starters who can relate to all levels of the organization.

Disclaimer:

o All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

o This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

o The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.

o This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.