Production Operator - Robinson Plant

The Hershey Company; Robinson (IL); On-site; USD 27,276 - 38,848; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, & 3

401(k) Retirement Plan – with generous

Hershey Stock Purchase Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Life Insurance and Short-Term Discount

Career Advancement Opportunities – Day

Job summary

The Hershey Company in Robinson, IL is hiring a Production Operator to work in a high-speed processing and packaging environment. You will support operations across multiple roles, ensuring food safety, quality, and efficiency on the production floor.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, moving products with a forklift, and performing quality checks while adhering to GMP, safety, and maintenance procedures. Shift flexibility and weekend availability are required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED required; basic reading/writing in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate processing and/or packaging equipment.
• Operate a forklift.
• Perform quality checks (metal detectors, date codes, weight systems) and support Autonomous Maintenance (cleaning, inspecting, lubricating).
• Follow safety procedures, GMPs, and housekeeping practices.

Skills

English literacy

Basic math

Basic computer skills

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

SAP/LPR

Job description

Production Operator - Robinson Plant

Location: Robinson, IL (US)

Position Type: Hourly

Pay

• Starting Payrate: $24.00/hr
• Eligible for holiday pay on first day.
• Shift Differentials & Overtime Potential.
• Eligibility to bid for higher graded positions after successful completion of probation period.
• Manufacturing Incentive Plan Eligible.

Total Rewards

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision) – Starting DAY 1.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – with generous company match.
• Hershey Stock Purchase Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Career Advancement Opportunities – starting Day 1.

Shifts

• Flexible to work any shift, weekends, overtime, and holidays.
• Schedule assignment upon hire is determined by plant needs. New hires are eligible to bid to a different shift within their assigned department, beginning day 1 (awarded based on seniority within that department).
• Plant operating schedules: 3 Continuous Operating Schedules (COS) of a 12‑hour shift from 6:00 pm‑6:00 am or an 8‑ to 10‑hour shift on 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift.
• Mandatory overtime could be weekly (extra days scheduled), daily (additional hours added to 8‑10hr shifts) or weekends (8‑12‑hour shifts).

Candidate Process

• Candidates are required to take and pass a pre‑hire assessment to schedule an interview.
• Qualified applicants will receive an email to schedule an interview. (Ensure you have access to a valid email.)
• Post‑offer drug screen and background check required*

*Valid ID required.

Job Description

Come make more moments of goodness with us as a Production Operator!

The Hershey Company Robinson plant is a non‑union plant producing products such as PayDay, Heath, Skor, Milk Duds, Whoppers, and Reese’s Pieces in a high‑speed complex environment. As a Production Operator, you will work in a variety of roles in processing and packaging within the plant. Operators are responsible for maintaining our highest quality of food safety standards, sanitation standards, and production and packaging requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operating processing and/or packaging equipment.
• Operating a fork truck.
• Following and interpreting information from processes including performing various quality checks (i.e., metal detectors, date codes, and weight systems) and following Autonomous Maintenance Programs (cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating equipment).
• Observing all safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and good housekeeping practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Ability to understand and perform basic mathematics.
• Basic computer knowledge with ability to find and enter information.
• Must be flexible to work any shift during a 24‑hour period (1st/2nd/3rd) and any variation of shift length (e.g., 8 hours or 12 hours). Must be available to work weekends, holidays and overtime.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing/food manufacturing environment including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Autonomous/Preventative Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Warehouse Management Systems such as SAP/LPR.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work from heights and in confined spaces.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and forearms.
• Work in variable temperatures (60–100 °F).
• Walking and standing for the majority of the shift.
• Reaching, bending, stooping and crawling.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center ([e-mail]).