PACKAGING OPERATOR (8387)

Lifeline Foods; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeline Foods in Missouri is seeking a Packaging Technician to operate bag and bulk packaging lines and to transfer product between processes. You will palletize, label, and ensure accurate coding while maintaining safety and cleanliness.

The role requires at least a high school diploma, basic math skills, strong communication, and fluency in English. Work involves exposure to dusty environments and regular walking; forklift experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluent in English (reading and writing) required.
• Technologically proficient with computers and PLC equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift and palletizer safely.
• Package products on bag and bulk lines.
• Troubleshoot basic packaging line issues.
• Perform line changeovers and equipment adjustments.
• Set correct date and lot codes for each product.
• Operate labeling machine and adjust as needed.
• Transfer product between plant systems.
• Conduct quality checks and document results per HACCP.
• Maintain GMP and housekeeping standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with sampling and paperwork.

Skills

Basic math

Verbal and written communication

English language fluency

Technical proficiency

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Packaging PLC

Computers

Two-way radio

Job description

Primary Purpose of the Position

This position is responsible for the packaging of finished product and the transfer of product to various bins to support plant operations, which may include filling both bags and bulk totes. In addition, this position will perform palletization of product (manual and mechanical), labeling and stenciling of product bags (manual and mechanical), and loading of outbound packaged and bulk product. This role is also responsible for unloading of ingredients and packaging materials and keeping the work area clean and safe.

Key Responsibilities

• Safe and efficient use of fork truck (standard forks and slip sheet attachment).
• Operator responsible for packaging of all products 5# to 3,000# on both the automatic bag line(s) and bulk tote line(s).
• Perform basic troubleshooting and basic maintenance of pack line machinery (e.g., jammed bags, improperly sealed bags, rejected bags, jammed palletizer, etc.).
• Operate and make changeovers of packaging lines.
• Determine and set the code date and lot code properly for each product.
• Load, operate, and adjust labeling machine.
• Transfer product to other operating systems in the plant.
• Perform quality checks as necessary.
• Complete all paperwork accurately to comply with HACCP, traceability, FS, and quality requirements.
• Assure appropriate pallet patterns are maintained for finished product.
• Maintain excellent position in regards to GMP.
• Follow appropriate guidelines in regards to sampling.
• Inventory bin levels as needed.
• Housekeeping responsibilities shall be maintained in all areas.
• Operate conveying systems for finished product.
• Stretch‑wrap finished product as needed.
• Adhere to the Lifeline Foods Code of Team Behavior and perform duties outside the key responsibilities.
• Responsible for food safety and quality.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing setting.
• Frequently exposed to airborne particles (dust).
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes and risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• Noise level is usually moderate.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Technologically proficient to include use of computers, two‑way radio communications, and packaging‑related PLC equipment.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion.
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English is required.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk and move about packaging area.
• Required to sit; use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 32 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces and wear all safety equipment.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.