Packer Operator II

W.C. Bradley Co.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

W.C. Bradley Co. is seeking a skilled Packer Machine Operator II to operate and maintain robotic packing equipment for BBQ wood pellets. This position involves ensuring quality, monitoring equipment, and mentoring junior operators.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, 2 years of relevant experience, and the ability to lift and move heavy loads. Forklift certification is required. The role prioritizes safety and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in automated packaging, preferably in industrial settings.
• Current forklift certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in hot, dusty, or loud environments.

Responsibilities

• Independently set up and operate automated bagging equipment.
• Monitor bag accuracy and perform line changeovers.
• Assist in training new team members.

Skills

Automated packaging systems knowledge

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Communication

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Job description

Job Summary

The Packer Machine Operator II is a skilled production team member responsible for independently operating, monitoring, and maintaining robotic packing and palletizing equipment to package BBQ wood pellets in 20- and 40-pound bags. This position ensures product quality, machine performance, and material flow while supporting continuous improvement and mentoring junior operators. Operator II is also responsible for using forklifts to transport finished goods to storage, identifying issues in the packing process, and collaborating with maintenance or supervisory staff when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Packaging Operations

• Independently set up and operate automated bagging equipment with minimal supervision.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting on robotic and mechanical packing systems and escalate only complex issues to maintenance.
• Monitor bag weights, seals, label accuracy, and ensure proper adjustments to maintain product consistency.
• Perform line changeovers and minor mechanical fixes as required for bag size or product type.
• Set up, monitor, and adjust the robotic palletizing system based on production requirements.
• Maintain palletizing alignment, stacking patterns, and shrink-wrap quality to ensure safe and stable shipping.
• Troubleshoot common robotic palletizer issues and collaborate with maintenance on system performance enhancements.

Material Handling & Inventory Flow

• Operate forklifts to stage empty pallets, move completed pallets to storage, and manage packaging material supply at the line.
• Accurately record and report packaging output and downtime in production logs or digital tracking systems.

Mentorship & Process Support

• Assist with the onboarding and training of Packer Machine Operator I team members.
• Recommend and participate in continuous improvement initiatives and 5S efforts within the packaging area.
• Communicate recurring equipment or product issues to shift leaders to drive long-term solutions.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all plant safety policies including PPE use, LOTO, and safe equipment handling.
• Perform daily equipment checks and basic preventative maintenance to ensure safe operation.
• Participate in safety huddles, quality checks, and incident reporting as required.

Qualification Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in automated or robotic packaging, preferably in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Current forklift certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot minor equipment problems and perform line changeovers independently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in hot, dusty, or loud environments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of automated packaging systems, sensors, and controls.
• Ability to identify operational issues and take corrective action with minimal direction.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Familiarity with production metrics, downtime tracking, and continuous improvement tools.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, and reach for extended periods during the shift.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Must have the ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, repetitive motion, and hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to operate forklifts and other industrial equipment safely.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and vibrations in a manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to visually inspect product quality and monitor digital displays or machine indicators.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For employment within the United States, the W.C. Bradley Co. uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired team members. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service at www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

The W.C. Bradley Co. is an affirmative action / equal employment opportunity employer.

Discrimination and all unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment) in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, or veteran status. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination where we do business.

Federal law requires the W.C. Bradley Co. to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. If you are interested in applying for employment with the W.C. Bradley Co. and require special assistance or accommodation to complete any part of the application and pre-employment process, please contact our Human Resources Office.