Packaging Operator

Essenti Talent; Illinois; On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Clothing allowance ($150)

Team-building / outing days

Job summary

Essenti Talent is seeking a Packaging Operator for our Grand Ridge, IL facility. The role involves running an automated packaging line that fills 50 lb seed corn bags and ensuring quality as products move toward shipping.

This hands-on position requires computer familiarity and the ability to troubleshoot equipment to keep the line moving. The ideal candidate can lift 60 lbs, stay attentive to weight and labeling, and work well with a team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Comfortable operating automated equipment and basic computer controls.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.
• Experience at a seed company or automated packaging preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate the automated packaging line and the 50 lb paper-bag filling machine.
• Monitor fill weight, bag quality, labeling, and product flow; clear jams as needed.
• Use computer controls to run and monitor equipment.
• Lift and handle bags weighing at least 60 lbs.
• Maintain quality standards and prevent shipments of faulty product.
• Keep the packaging room clean, organized, and safe with PPE.
• Support upstream and downstream operations as needed.
• Cover 2nd shift during peak fall production.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Reliable

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Automated packaging equipment

Job description

Job Description

Packaging Operator - Grand Ridge, IL

Part 1 - Job Posting

Location:

Grand Ridge, IL (on-site)

Pay:

$19-$22/hour, depending on experience (potential to be higher)

Industry:

Agriculture - seed corn production, conditioning & packaging

Job Type:

Direct Hire, Full-Time

Shift:

Day shift. 2nd-shift coverage needed seasonally in the fall (Oct-Nov) - preferred but flexible; a strong day-only candidate can still be hired.

Target Start:

Filled by September 1 (sooner preferred). Summer training available to ramp up before peak season.

Job Summary

The Packaging Operator runs the packaging line in the packaging room of a seed corn production facility. The role centers on operating an automated paper-bag filling machine that fills 50 lb paper bags of seed corn - the final step before product ships. This is a hands-on role for a reliable, computer-savvy operator who can run and troubleshoot automated equipment, keep the line moving, and hold quality on the finished product.

Key Responsibilities

Operate the automated packaging line, including the automated paper-bag filling machine that fills 50 lb paper bags of seed corn.

Monitor the line for correct fill weight, bag quality, labeling, and product flow; make adjustments and clear jams to keep production running.

Use the packaging system’s computer controls to run and monitor equipment.

Lift and handle bags and materials weighing a minimum of 60 lbs.

Maintain quality standards on finished product - catch and correct issues before product is shipped.

Keep the packaging room clean, organized, and safe; follow all safety and PPE requirements (dust masks/PPE provided).

Support upstream and downstream operations and contribute to the team as needed.

Cover 2nd shift during peak fall production as needed (seasonal).

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED.

Comfortable operating automated equipment and using basic computer controls (computer-savvy).

Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.

Strongest background: prior experience at another seed company doing the same packaging work. Next best: automated packaging experience from any industry.

Agriculture background a plus; reliability, attendance, and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Able to work in an environment with exposure to seed dust and pollen (PPE provided).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Seed production plant / packaging room. Standing, lifting (minimum 60 lbs), and repetitive material handling. Exposure to dust and pollen; dust masks and PPE provided. Day shift, with seasonal 2nd-shift coverage needed during the fall.

Compensation & Benefits

$19-$22/hour depending on experience (potential to be higher). Direct hire, full-time. Benefits include health, dental, disability, and 401(k); a $150 annual clothing allowance; and paid company team-building / outing days. Seasonal overtime available during peak production. Full benefit details shared with qualified candidates during screening.

$19-$20/hour depending on experience (potential to be higher). Direct hire, full-time. Benefits include health, dental, disability, and 401(k); a $150 annual clothing allowance; and paid company team-building / outing days. Seasonal overtime available during peak production. Full benefit details shared with qualified candidates during screening.