Production Line Associate

Central Garden & Pet; Sidney (NE); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Employee training & development

Parental leave

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet is seeking a Production Line Associate for our Sidney, NE location. You will rotate through line tasks, inspect products for quality, and maintain clean, safe working conditions while meeting production schedules.

This role supports industry-leading brands and requires strong teamwork and reliability. The position emphasizes safety, accurate counting, and adherence to labeling standards, with overtime and weekend hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 50-55 lbs.
• Ability to work with a team on the production line.
• Ability to stand for extended periods with frequent bending and lifting.
• Proficiency in counting and basic math.
• Willing to work overtime and weekends as required.
• Must maintain safety and alertness at all times.

Responsibilities

• Rotate positions between tasks on the production line (filling bags/jars, packing, pallet stacking).
• Assess product requirements (appearance, weight, pallets/boxes, type of pallet) and communicate to team.
• Verify labels and date codes meet quality standards under FDA guidelines.
• Operate production machinery safely and in compliance with OSHA.
• Maintain a clean workspace and complete daily/end-of-shift cleaning docs.
• Assist in training new coworkers on the line.
• Report mechanical issues or unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Ensure regular and reliable attendance.

Skills

Lifting heavy objects

Teamwork

Stamina for standing

Basic math

Overtime willingness

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Penn Pak, a business unit of Pennington Seed/Central Garden & Pet Company, is a leader in the bird food manufacturing industry. We are searching for a Production Line Associate for our Sidney NE location. This role is critical to maintaining our high standards in production and ensuring our products meet quality and safety standards. As part of our team, you will be responsible for various tasks on the production line, working with a team to meet tight schedules and deadlines in a safe and efficient manner.

Description

Penn Pak, a business unit of Pennington Seed/Central Garden & Pet Company, is a leader in the bird food manufacturing industry. We are searching for a Production Line Associate for our Sidney NE location. This role is critical to maintaining our high standards in production and ensuring our products meet quality and safety standards. As part of our team, you will be responsible for various tasks on the production line, working with a team to meet tight schedules and deadlines in a safe and efficient manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Rotate positions between various tasks on the production line, including filling bags or jars, packing boxes, and stacking on pallets.
• Recognize the requirements of the product being produced – appearance, weight, bags per pallet or box, type of pallet or box for the current run, and communicate this information to other line workers.
• Observe and ensure applied labels and date codes on each unit with quality assurance under FDA guidelines.
• Operate machines safely and responsibly, ensuring OSHAstandards are met.
• Maintain a clean work environment by constantly sweeping, dusting, and/or cleaning equipment. Complete required daily and end-of-shift cleaning documentation.
• Help to train new co-workers on the line or area as needed.
• Report any mechanical problems and unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor immediately.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential to this role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to lift up to 50-55 lbs.
• Able to work closely with other team members on the production line or in the designated work area, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods, with frequent stooping, squatting, overhead lifting, and walking.
• Proficiency in counting and basic math skills.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as required.
• Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in agriculture, production, or a manufacturing environment is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work environment includes a non-climate-controlled warehouse production facility, with frequent proximity to moving mechanical parts, product irritants/allergens, airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasionally, tasks may involve working at heights, in confined spaces, and amidst moderate noise levels.

ALLERGY NOTICE

• Please be aware that we produce products containing nuts.

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) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. 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.