Packaging Operator

Aerotek; Iowa; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Packaging Operator for an onsite role in Ames, IA to run an automated packaging line, inspect products, verify packaging and barcodes, and support efficient production. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork in a fully onsite setting.

The position is contract-to-hire with the opportunity to advance based on performance. Requires strong physical stamina to lift up to 50 lbs and stand during shifts; prior packaging/production experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 1+ year in production or food manufacturing.
• Proficient with basic computers.
• Some mechanical aptitude and general computer knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Operate on an automated packaging line to support production.
• Inspect products and packaging for quality and barcode accuracy.
• Ensure boxes are formed, sealed and undamaged.
• Assist with cleanup and keep work area organized.
• Break down cartons and support packaging workflow.
• Transport cartons to the compactor for recycling.
• Maintain tote organization for efficient operations.
• Relieve teammates during breaks to maintain line operation.
• Follow safety, quality and production guidelines and report issues.
• Collaborate with team and support general production tasks.

Skills

Production experience

General computer knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Forklift/packaging line experience

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Stand for full shift

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Packaging Operator

Job Description

The Packaging Operator works on an automated packaging line to ensure that pasta products are packaged accurately, safely, and to a high quality standard. This role focuses on monitoring product quality, verifying packaging and barcodes, and supporting efficient production through careful handling, cleanup, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate and work on an automated packaging line to support continuous and efficient production.
• Pull products off the line and inspect them to ensure the quality of the pasta and packaging meet established standards.
• Check the quality and condition of boxes, ensuring they are properly formed, sealed, and free from damage.
• Assist other operators with cleanup activities, including maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Break down cartons and cases as needed to support the packaging process and maintain workflow.
• Transport cartons and cardboard to the compactor for recycling, following all safety and housekeeping procedures.
• Ensure all area totes are in place, used correctly, and maintained in an orderly fashion to support efficient operations.
• Relieve other packaging operators during break times to maintain continuous operation of the packaging line.
• Follow all safety, quality, and production guidelines and report any issues or irregularities to the appropriate personnel.
• Work collaboratively with team members and support general production and assembly tasks as needed.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of previous work experience in production or food manufacturing is preferred.
• General working knowledge of computers is preferred.
• Some mechanical aptitude and general computer knowledge are preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly as required by the role.
• Ability to remain comfortable standing on feet for the entire shift.
• Experience in packaging, general production, or working on a production or packaging line.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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