Packaging Team Member, 1st Shift

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc.; Menomonie, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Training & Career Advancement

Job summary

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is seeking a Packaging Team Member to operate cheese packaging equipment and support processes. You will work with multiple departments to ensure quality, food safety, and production goals while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

The role emphasizes dependability, willingness to learn, and teamwork in a dairy/food manufacturing setting, with opportunities to grow within the company.

Qualifications

• Requires 18 years or older and a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Reliable attendance and strong dependability.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; willingness to learn in dairy/food manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and clean packaging equipment and production lines.
• Cut bulk cheese blocks up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain production line speed and efficiency.
• Inspect product weight, packaging quality, and seal integrity.
• Package products from 7.5 oz to 50 lbs per specifications.
• Verify labels and packaging meet customer orders.
• Follow sanitation and GMPs; complete production/quality documentation.
• Communicate with team members and other departments.

Skills

English proficiency

Teamwork

Reliability

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Join the Award-Winning Team at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Join the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and become part of a team recognized for producing award-winning cheese. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for career advancement, paid time off, and a workplace dedicated to quality, safety, and employee development.

Why Join Our Team?

• Starting pay of $18.00 per hour
• Increase to $19.50 per hour after 120 days
• Comprehensive medical,dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Training, cross-training, and career advancement opportunities
• A culture committed to quality, safety, and employee growth

Schedule

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Schedule: Monday - Friday
• No regular weekend work
• Overtime as needed, including occasional Saturdays

Position Summary

The Packaging Team Member is responsible for operating cheese packaging equipment and supporting packaging processes, including cutting, weighing, packaging, labeling, and preparing products for shipment. This position works closely with multiple departments to ensure quality, food safety, and production goals are met while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

We are looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who take pride in producing high-quality products, value workplace safety, and are eager to learn and grow within the dairy and food industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Setup, operate, and clean packaging equipment and production lines
• Cut bulk cheese blocks weighing up to 50 pounds
• Maintain production line speed and efficiency
• Inspect product weight, packaging quality, and seal integrity
• Package products ranging from 7.5 ounces to 50 pounds according to specifications
• Verify product labels and packaging meet customer order requirements
• Follow sanitation procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Accurately complete production and quality documentation
• Communicate effectively with team members and other departments
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area
• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and food safety requirements
• Perform all duties as assigned

Requirements

Required

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Reliable attendance and strong dependability
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Basic computer skills preferred; training provided
• Willingness to learn and grow in the dairy and food manufacturing industry

Physical Demands

• Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Stand and walk for up to 10 hours per shift
• Perform repetitive motions throughout the workday

Work Environment

This position is located in a food manufacturing facility. Team members must follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures. Regular exposure to refrigerated environments and cleaning chemicals is expected.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and alcohol screening
• General background check

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees - you're family, and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years. Our Menomonie, Wisconsin production facility manufacturers several varieties of small-batch artisan cheese, including our award-winning Red Rind Muenster, Wisconsin Brick and Hot Pepper Jack.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.