Packaging Operator - Night Shift

The Krusteaz Company; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

PTO 3 weeks

Holidays (10)

Job summary

The Krusteaz Company is seeking a packaging operator to work across multiple equipment areas, supporting continuous learning and advancement. The role demands physical effort, problem-solving, and teamwork, with flexibility for overtime and shift changes.

The position requires reading batch tickets, maintaining a clean work area, and operating packaging lines. Previous manufacturing experience is preferred, especially in food processing and packaging machinery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Manufacturing experience preferred; food processing packaging machinery experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Read batch tickets and follow instructions precisely.
• Operate and adjust packaging equipment (VFFS, cartoning, case-packing).
• Maintain clean, safe operating area and follow GMPs.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Attention to safety

Education

High school diploma

Tools

VFFS equipment

Cartoning machinery

Case-packing equipment

Job description

Pay & Incentives

• Base pay: $22.98 per hour. Night shift differential: $2.25/hr.
• Skill‑based increases after levels and certifications with annual raises. Additional higher levels give more pay and leadership responsibilities.
• Quarterly bonus up to 7% based on safety, quality and other metrics.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance ($60‑95/month for employee‑only PPO or $30‑45/month for employee‑only HDHP).
• 401(k) matching.
• 3 weeks paid time off, 10 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday.
• Life and disability insurance, flexible‑spending accounts, health‑savings account.
• Voluntary accident and critical–illness insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Job Summary

We are looking for a packaging operator who will work across multiple equipment areas, support continuous learning and advancement, and handle fast‑paced responsibilities. The role demands physical effort, problem‑solving, and teamwork, with flexibility for overtime and shift changes.

Essential Functions

• Read and follow batch ticket instructions.
• Stand and walk continuously on a cement floor.
• Maintain a clean operating area.
• Bend and lift up to 50 lb. occasionally to a height of 44".
• Bend to 8" occasionally using proper techniques.
• Climb and balance on 6–10 ft ladders occasionally.
• Twist at waist and reach at or below shoulder height frequently.
• Input and retrieve data using a computer.
• Input data in documents related to SPC, batch tickets and finished product evaluations.
• Operate, adjust, and change over automatic VFFS, cartoning, and case‑packing equipment.

Responsibilities & Attributes

• Work safely.
• Proactive in quality, follow GMPs and housekeeping guidelines.
• Mechanically inclined.
• Flexible to work overtime and other shifts as required.
• Committed to internal and external customer expectations.
• Confront and solve problems.
• Communicate well and provide meaningful feedback.
• Manage time effectively while working unsupervised.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred). Accurate reading, math and organizational skills.
• Manufacturing experience required; food processing and packaging machinery experience preferred.

Key Requirements & Environmental Factors

• Work rotating night shift 4‑3‑2; 7:00pm‑7:30am. 30‑minute unpaid meal.
• Operate packaging equipment at standard.
• Read and follow directions correctly, written and verbal continuously.
• Use whole‑body movements to bend, twist, push, pull, reach, squat, climb, etc. to perform tasks at each level.
• Climb and balance on 18‑20‑ft ladder; short periods of work at heights on platforms.
• Lift 50 pounds occasionally; work safely.
• Proactive in quality; follow GMPs and housekeeping guidelines.
• Flexible with shifts, overtime as per business needs.
• Team orientation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Krusteaz Company is an equal‑opportunity employer. We hire, train, and promote all persons in all job groups in accordance with law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or military status, national origin, gender identity, presence of any disability, mental or physical or genetic information or other protected status.

About Our Company

• A people‑focused company with 90‑year history, entrepreneurial spirit, and growth opportunities.
• Competitive pay, health benefits, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and more.
• Culture of collaboration, innovation and passion.
• Opportunity for growth and impact in a supportive, family‑like atmosphere.