Packaging Technician I

Colgate; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a part of Colgate-Palmolive, seeks a dedicated line operator for our Bowling Green, KY plant. The role involves preparing, starting, and running the production line, performing quality checks, and ensuring safety and GMP compliance throughout shifts.

You will lift up to 50 lbs, operate packaging equipment, and record half-hourly data. A high school diploma and 2 years in manufacturing are required; overtime is common.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to work the assigned shift with additional overtime as needed.
• Proficient with computers, software, and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, starts up and runs line (requires bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, repetitive motion in the arms and back, standing on feet for a maximum of 12 hours).
• Communicates with outgoing line person from prior shift to ascertain line status.
• Operates all sealers for all size bags.
• Takes EEC samples for Salmonella testing according to set guidelines.
• Gathers sample containers at end of shift and delivers to the Lab for second inspection.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

WonderWare

Zebra printers

Job description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176888 - Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Reports to: Operations Team Leader

Location:

Travel:

n/a

Scope of Responsibility:

To package product according to Hill’s quality standards and guidelines

Core Responsibilities:

Prepares, starts up and runs line (requires bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, repetitive motion in the arms and back, standing on feet for a maximum of 12 hours, routinely climbing up to 3 flights of stairs of 15 steps each, and mental concentration). Objects to be lifted that may weigh 50 pounds include bags of product that must be cut open and reworked. Consequences of not being able to lift these bags include having to scrap the materials rather than being able to use it in the production process which could result in a significant adverse financial impact.

Communicates with outgoing line person from prior shift to ascertain line status

Conducts visual and hands on inspection of Packaging machinery and equipment to ensure full functionality prior to starting the line and during line operation

Operates all sealers for all size bags

Hand stacks all bag sizes (1-50 lbs bags)

Conducts line changeovers for different product or bag size

Changes carrier screens to accommodate different size product

Troubleshoot minor problems that occur on the line

Responsible for weighing product (requires lifting up to 50 lbs), measuring kibble size for length of variation, and recording the data every half hour on control charts and into the shop floor computer system

Visually inspects product every half hour for consistency of color, shape, and product consistency (mixing of product).

Takes samples of product every half hour by placing in plastic container

Gathers sample containers at end of shift and delivers to the Lab for second inspection and analyticals, and provides empty containers for incoming shift

Takes EEC (European Economic Community) samples for Salmonella testing according to set guidelines

Operates Palletizer for bags sized 2 lbs through 40 lbs

Places protective cardboard covers over pallets before pallets are shrink wrapped

Operates and maintains Shrink wrap machine and changes out rolls of shrink wrap as needed (requires lifting up to 45 lbs)

Generates bar code labels utilizing WonderWare computer software and Zebra printers and affixes bar code labels to completed pallets after they come off the Packaging line

Reconciles reports through Materials Services to ensure finished goods accountability

Attends team meetings and obtains information from outgoing shift

Responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary work area (requires sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, shoveling, and pushing)

Accountable for meeting or exceeding safety standards according to the published Hill’s Safety Policy at the Bowling Green plant

Understand and comply with Hill’s policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety. Identify and report Food Safety issues to management.

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience in the manufacturing environment.

Must be able to work the assigned shift with additional overtime as needed

Proficient with computers, software, and data processing

Managing Materials and Services: Managing the supply chain flow of direct materials from the acquisition of raw and packaging material to production of finished goods, as well as indirect materials and services for all functions throughout our business.

Knowledge of materials needed to produce different products.

Communicates with the Lead Operator and/or other colleagues considering the need for material.

Arranges internal transport of material

Continuous Improvement: Selecting and applying continuous improvement tools to drive growth, profitability and people development.

Makes use of available continuous improvement tools, such as improvement proposals and vertical teams

Aware of and contribute to the KPIs / objectives of the plant

Takes initiatives to optimize working activities and machinery (CIR)

Being able to share knowledge and experience

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $24.50 - $28.70 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities.