Palletizer/Forklift Operator- Nights

Diamond Pet Foods; Gaston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Gaston, South Carolina, is seeking a Palletizer Operator to proficiently operate various palletizer machines while ensuring safety and efficiency. Responsibilities include operating machines, performing maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. A high school diploma or GED is required, and food manufacturing experience is preferred. This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic team environment and contribute to safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must be capable of performing routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Must be able to communicate production status effectively.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Bemis Palletizer operating machine.
• Perform routine adjustments and changeovers.
• Troubleshoot minor palletizer operating problems.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
• Report safety violations immediately.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Forklift operation

Computer literacy

Self-motivated

Ability to work independently

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Scope

The Palletizer Operator is to be proficient in every aspect of properly operating various palletizer machines safely, accurately, and at the highest reasonable speed. This person must be capable of performing routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting quality concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities

• As directed and trained, operate the Bemis Palletizer operating machine.
• Operate and perform routine adjustments and changeover functions. Specific examples would be adjustments for pallet configuration, and pallet centering.
• Operate printer and apply proper pallet tags as trained.
• Perform and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform product stack configurations.
• Operate the shrink wrap and shrink wrap changeover.
• Always keep pallets and cardboard available to the palletizer.
• Troubleshoot minor palletizer operating problems.
• Remove full pallets from palletizer and store them properly in the warehouse, damage free.
• Repair any damaged pallets or bags before shift is over.
• Communicate production status to oncoming shift personnel.
• Maintain communication with maintenance personnel on major machine issues.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in accordance with company policy.
• Perform all functions in accordance with sound safety practices and procedures.
• Report all safety violations and safety hazards to Shift Supervisor immediately.
• Participate in all safety programs.
• Be an employee champion who will maintain a strong and positive working relationship with all employees with the utmost integrity, confidentiality, and ethical values.

Additional Job Functions

• Assist in maintaining a positive team environment and good working relationship by maintaining a positive attitude toward all Diamond team members, vendors, and customers.
• Participate effectively in a team atmosphere by modeling and promoting conflict resolution, diversity, ethical practices, and organizational citizenship.
• Responsible for other duties as deemed necessary by Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work independently without immediate direction or oversight. Self‑motivated with a high degree of initiative and integrity.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively communicate in a professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (communication, listening, team player, cooperative, approachable).
• Ability to be organized, flexible, and perform acceptably under pressure.
• Must be able to take directions, work efficiently and safely.
• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for long periods including on a catwalk.
• Must be capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds routinely.
• Must be capable of overhead work and manual dexterity for manipulating or moving objects.
• Must be able to climb both stairs and ladders up to a high elevation.
• Must be able to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Must be able to operate a forklift.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must be able to perform moderate to heavy labor under constant machine operation and other noise.

Education & Experience Recommendations

• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.