Packer: 3am - 3pm

Butterball Farms, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Butterball Farms, Inc. is seeking a dedicated production associate to join our Butterball® Farms team. You will keep pace with the line, pack products into boxes, inspect items for defects, and ensure accurate labeling and packaging throughout each shift.

Responsibilities include metal detector checks, QA sampling, and maintaining a clean, safe work area. Prior food manufacturing experience is a plus, and punctuality with flexible scheduling is valued.

Qualifications

• Good eye-hand coordination and ability to read standard work instructions.
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes.
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Adherence to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards.
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Keep up with the production rate and pack products into boxes.
• Visually inspect the products for defects.
• Monitor the consistency and weight of the butter to ensure within range.
• Assemble boxes and place bags inside.
• Enter information to create labels and print them.
• Perform hourly metal detector checks.
• Gather butter samples for QA testing.
• Work at a fast pace and multitask efficiently.
• Create skid patterns and stack boxes per product specs.
• Use a tape gun to close boxes or operate a tape machine.
• Verify date, lot code, and label on products being run.
• Enter downtime or line/product issues into RedZone via tablet.
• Transport finished products to the freezer and wrap skids.
• Maintain a clean work area and assist in cleaning after run.
• Perform additional tasks as requested.

Skills

Eye-hand coordination

Read work instructions

Fast pace

High-speed production line

Flexible scheduling

General math

GMP compliance

Food manufacturing experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a butter manufacturer — we’re a company built on purpose. For over 60 years, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading food brands to create innovative, value-added butter products that bring flavor and quality to millions of tables. But our impact goes beyond what we make — our mission is simple: to Enrich Lives, inside and outside our walls. Recognized as one West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Butterball Farms is a place where people grow, ideas thrive, and collaboration drives excellence.

Here, we think like a team — working together to bring out the best in one another, celebrate progress, and keep raising the bar. As our business evolves, new people and ideas strengthen our foundation, helping us continue to deliver excellence.

What We Offer

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement
• Build your career in an environment that encourages development, accountability, and internal promotion.
• High-Performance Culture
• Join a workplace where we challenge each other to grow, think differently, and deliver our best — every shift, every day.
• Inclusive & Supportive Environment
• We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Every voice matters.
• Competitive Pay & Shift Premiums
• Additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift roles.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Because rest and balance make us stronger.
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Invest in your future while you help us build ours.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Continuous Learning
• Grow your career with educational support.
• Community Connection
• Access The Source for resources, financial counseling, and family services — supporting the whole you.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Keep up with the production rate and pack products into boxes.
• Visually inspect the products for any defects.
• Carefully monitor the consistency and weight of the butter to ensure it is within range.
• Properly assemble boxes and place the appropriate bags inside.
• Accurately enter information to create labels and print them.
• Perform hourly metal detector checks.
• Gather butter samples for QA testing.
• Work at a fast pace and multitask efficiently.
• Correctly create skid patterns and stack boxes according to product specifications.
• Properly use a tape gun to close boxes or operate a tape machine.
• Verify that the correct date, lot code, and label are reflected on the products being run.
• Enter downtime or any line/product issues into RedZone using a tablet.
• Transport finished products to the freezer and wrap finished skids.
• Maintain a clean work area throughout the shift, and assist the team in cleaning up after the run is complete.
• Perform additional tasks as requested.

Requirements

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to read and understand standard work instructions
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods of time
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced production line
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to adhere to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus!

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

Continuous (67–100% of the time)

• Seeing
• Lifting
• Reaching
• Standing
• Repetitive hand motions

Frequent (33–66% of the time)

• Kneeling
• Grasping
• Talking
• Hearing
• Walking
• Driving
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time)

• Stooping
• Crouching
• Pushing
• Additional reaching

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs
• Occasional pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods
• Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER:

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).