1st shift Class 6 Machine Operator Plant 2

Central Garden & Pet Company; Chilton (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Profit sharing

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company is hiring a 1st shift Class 6 Machine Operator Level I for Kaytee in Chilton, WI. The role supports manufacturing, packaging, and QA processes in a warehouse environment with teamwork and safety at the core.

The position requires physical stamina, basic math, mechanical aptitude, and ability to read production orders. Benefits include medical/dental/vision coverage and a 401(k) match with profit sharing.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with frequent bending, lifting and twisting.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Must be mechanically inclined and able to read, interpret, and prioritize work orders.
• Must have good organizational skills and communicate well in a team.
• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze problems.
• Willingness to climb ladders and work at elevated heights.

Responsibilities

• Starts machine and observes operation; makes adjustments or repairs as needed.
• Operate and monitor equipment in the barrel room to ensure proper processing.
• Manage and operate Rainbow mixer according to production requirements.
• Enter production codes in Repete, set up machines, and prepare dating equipment.
• Complete work orders, move/wrap pallets, and record pallet completion.
• Inspect bags for quality, proper dating, and correct code.
• Test product weights and verify correct product mix.
• Assemble hand-add barrels with vitamins/minerals as required.
• Follow FSMA, USDA, SQF quality and safety standards; obtain PCQI certificate.
• Follow OSHA safety initiatives.

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Repete system

Job description

1st shift Class 6 Machine Operator Plant 2

Location: Chilton, WI, United States
Date Posted: Oct 6, 2026
Job ID: JV-2590

C entral Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 1 st s hift Class 6 Machine Operator Level I to join our team at Kaytee in Chilton, WI.

At Kaytee, we offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Starts machine and observes operation to detect malfunctions; makes adjustments or repairs as needed while assisting in the manufacturing process.
• Operate and monitor equipment in the barrel room to ensure proper processing and storage.
• Manage and operate the Rainbow mixer according to production requirements.
• Enters production codes batching computer ( Repete ), sets up machine, prepares dating equipment for production and ensures the bags and/or tape is properly running.
• Completes production work orders, moves/wraps pallets, confirms correct count on pallet and records pallet completion.
• Inspects bags (top, and bottom) to ensure quality sewing, ribbon intact, legible/correct code dating and ID.
• Tests product weights; visually checks for proper product mix.
• Assemble hand-add barrels accurately adding the proper amounts of vitamins/minerals and prepares ahead as required.
• Follows all quality and food safety initiatives in accordance with FSMA, USDA, and SQF standards including obtaining PCQI certificate.
• Follows all safety initiatives in accordance with OSHA standards

QUALIFICATIONS

• The ability to lift up to 50+ pounds with frequent bending, lifting and twisting.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations (add, subtract, multiple & divide).
• High school diploma preferred.
• Ability to communicate with employees in a manner promoting a “team” work environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze problems.
• Ability to read, interpret and prioritize work orders.
• Must have good organizational skills.
• Must be mechanically inclined.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated heights.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This role involves working in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.
• Requires the ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Additionally, there may be instances where lifting or moving items weighing 50-100 pounds is necessary, with assistance.
• Regular physical activities such as climbing, lifting, bending, standing, walking, twisting, turning, and reaching with arms and hands are also required.
• Work hours will be Monday- Wednesday 3 am to 3 pm and Thursday 3 am to 7 am.
• There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

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 and annual profit-sharing bonus
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Onsite Wellness Center
• Onsite Employee 24-hour gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro?, Aqueon?, Best Bully Sticks?, Cadet?, C&S?, Farnam?, Ferry-Morse?, Kaytee?, Nylabone?, Pennington?, Sevin? and Zoёcon?. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. 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.