Packaging Team Member, 1st Shift

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery; New London (WI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in New London, WI, is seeking a Packaging Team Member to support finished cheese packaging, labeling, and palletizing while following GMPs and food safety standards.

You will rotate through packaging positions, learn equipment, and contribute to quality and production goals. This entry-level role offers benefits and opportunities for growth in a team-focused dairy environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal English instructions.
• Ability to stand and perform repetitive packaging tasks in a production environment.
• Prior food, dairy, or packaging experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Package and seal cheese products with correct packaging.
• Manually pack cheese into cartons and master cases.
• Operate packaging equipment or assist as needed.
• Rotate through filling, labeling, and palletizing duties.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work area.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

English communication

Manual dexterity

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Forklifts

Hand trucks

Job description

Love working with your hands and being part of a team that takes pride in producing quality Wisconsin cheese? Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and help package the cheese products our customers know and love.

Love working with your hands and being part of a team that takes pride in producing quality Wisconsin cheese? Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and help package the cheese products our customers know and love.

Why Join Our Team?

• 1st shift: 6:45 AM to 3:00 PM
• Starting at $21.50 per hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities to learn new skills and advance
• Training on equipment and multiple packaging positions
• Be part of a team committed to quality, safety, and Wisconsin cheese-making tradition

Position Summary

The Packaging Team Member packages finished cheese products according to customer and production requirements. Team members rotate through various packaging responsibilities, including filling, labeling, box preparation, and palletizing, while following food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

What You’ll Do

• Package and seal cheese products using the correct packaging and labels
• Manually pack cheese into retail cartons, bulk cartons, and master cases
• Operate or assist with packaging and auxiliary equipment
• Rotate between packaging positions, including filling, labeling, box preparation, and palletizing
• Maintain required production rates and line speeds
• Inspect packaging, labels, product weight, and overall quality
• Immediately report food safety, quality, or sanitation concerns
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area
• Follow all food safety, GMP, quality, and safety procedures
• Work closely with coworkers and Quality Assurance to maintain product quality
• Complete required equipment training, including hand trucks, forklifts, and other power equipment as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with coworkers, supervisors, and other team members
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic math skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rates, and percentages
• Previous food, dairy, manufacturing, or packaging experience is a plus, but not required
• High school diploma/GED preferred; equivalent experience and industry knowledge considered

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and work with your hands for extended periods
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work around moving equipment and production lines
• Ability to see and identify product, packaging, labels, and color variations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position works in an active food manufacturing and packaging environment. Employees may be exposed to refrigerated areas, production equipment, varying noise levels, and food processing activities. Food safety, sanitation, GMPs, safety procedures, and proper PPE are required.

Benefits

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Company-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

Waiting periods may apply. Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees.

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees, you're family, and we want you to succeed. Our culture has contributed to the longevity of our team, with careers spanning 10, 20, and even 50 years.

Our New London, Wisconsin production facility specializes in processed cheese products, servicing the needs of food service, retail deli, and food manufacturers.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.