1st Shift Production Operator

1st Shift Production Operator Location: Fort Dodge, IA, United States Date Posted: Oct 27, 2025 Description We want to hire people who care about what they do. At C&S, a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet, we are proud to produce the highest quality wildlife specialty food and feeding accessory products available for the U.S. Wild Bird Feeding market. Quality is a big deal, and we can’t build a quality product without employees who work safely, show up every day and are committed to building a quality product. If that’s who you are, then we want you on our team. Not only do we have great pay and work environment, but we also offer a wonderful benefit package to our employees. We have medical, dental, vision insurance and a 401k with match. We offer vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay. You will also receive, at no cost to you, basic life insurance and disability coverage. C&S Products is searching for a 1st Shift Production Operator in our Fort Dodge, IA facility. This position requires you to make sure all equipment is safe and efficient to run. Location: 1528 Cardinal Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Pay: $22/hour Shift: Monday through Wednesday 4:00am to 4:00pm, Thursday (4am-10am) Overtime as needed. Measures of Success Maintain communication between Line Leaders, Co-Workers, and Shift Supervisor. Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion. Understand and know the goals and objectives of the department. Comply with all safety rules and company policies. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor. Responsible for reporting any Food Safety issues to authorized personnel for correction. Perform efficient machine set-up, clean out and change-over. Transfer, stage and package materials. Ideal Candidate Attributes High school diploma or equivalent preferred. The ability to lift up to 50+ pounds with frequent bending, lifting and twisting. Must have proficient math skills. Ability to learn and operate forklift and handcart in a safe manner. Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual. Ability to operate a RF scanner device. Must have the ability to bend, twist, turn and climb. Possess solid organizational skills. Ability to work overtime as needed. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Working Conditions Work is performed in a manufacturing environment. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours (on each respective shift) and average at least 40 hours a week. There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns. Noise level in the work environment varies with specific areas requiring hearing protection. The employee is regularly exposed to the following food allergens, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 401k with 3% company match Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time Employee Assistance Program Wellness Reimbursement Program Referral Program with cash bonus Paid Parental leave About Central Garden & Pet Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry~Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.