Production Associate - Food Room

Central Garden & Pet Company; Franklin, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Paid vacation

Education Assistance

Parental leave

Life Insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company in Franklin, WI is seeking a Production Operator for fish food manufacturing. You will set up, operate and monitor production lines, ensuring product quality and food safety standards are met.

The role involves working Monday–Thursday 5am–3:30pm with overtime potential on Fridays; the job requires attention to detail, the ability to follow procedures, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing or food production preferred.
• Ability to operate machinery and perform basic troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor production and packaging equipment.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain efficiency and quality.
• Produce and package fish food products meeting quality standards.
• Follow FSMA guidelines and use PPE.
• Handle raw materials and finished goods, including allergens.
• Maintain production records and documentation.
• Help with inventory and reporting discrepancies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation per food safety standards.
• Follow OSHA safety procedures and participate in safety initiatives.
• Work with the team to meet daily targets.
• Perform repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce waste.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Machinery operation

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Production systems

Job description

Production Operator - Fish Food Manufacturing

Location: Franklin, WI, United States
Date Posted: Sep 29, 2026
Job ID: JV-2207

Shift Details: Monday – Thursday, 5am – 3:30pm with Potential Overtime on Friday

Location:Franklin, WI

Hourly Rate: $25.00 with the ability to level up to increase hourly rate of pay.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, operate, and monitor food production and packaging equipment according to established procedures.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain efficiency, product integrity, and quality output.
• Produce and package fish food products in compliance with company and regulatory quality standards.
• Follow all food safety requirements, including FSMA guidelines and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Handle raw materials and finished goods, including potential allergens such as shellfish, safely and accurately.
• Perform routine equipment checks and report any malfunctions or maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate production records and complete required documentation.
• Assist with inventory handling, including staging materials and reporting discrepancies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas in accordance with food safety standards.
• Follow all OSHA safety procedures and participate in safety initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet daily production targets.
• Perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing or food production environment preferred.
• Ability to operate machinery and perform basic troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.
• Basic computer skills; familiarity with production systems is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to stand/walk for a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Work in a food production environment with exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to allergens such as fish and shellfish.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.