Spontaneous Application - Assistant Operator – 3rd Shift

Kruger Inc.; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

401(k) Matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Vacation Time

Bonus program

FSA/LSA

Job summary

Kruger Inc. is seeking an Assistant Operator for the Elizabethtown, KY plant. The role supports safe operation of Converting equipment, assisting with setup, adjustments, quality checks, and housekeeping.

Expect a Sunday 10:45 PM–Friday 7:00 AM schedule with overtime and weekend work as required. Starting pay is $21.94 per hour with a $0.75 per hour shift differential on the 3rd shift. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, 401(k) with match, tuition reimbursement, and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Prior work experience in manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely set up, monitor, troubleshoot and adjust machine parts under operator guidance.
• Minimize downtime by preparing and operating equipment at available capacity.
• Assist in preventative maintenance and quality inspections.
• Use inventory systems to pull correct stock for orders.
• Read production cards and technical drawings to ensure correct operation.
• Maintain GMPs/SQF compliance and safety standards.
• Complete documentation and reports accurately and promptly.

Skills

Read tape measures

Basic math

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Adaptability

Fast-paced environment

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Production

Containerboard & Packaging

Elizabethtown Plant – Elizabethtown, KY, US

Competitive Compensation

Wide Range of Benefits

Location

1000 N. Black Branch Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Schedule

Full-time; Sunday 10:45 PM – Friday 7:00 AM (Eastern Time)
Overtime and weekend work frequently required.

Pay

Starting pay is $21.94 per hour, with an additional $0.75 per hour shift differential when working 3rd shift. Hourly employees are paid weekly via direct deposit.
Pay increases are not based on tenure but on successfully completing company-provided training and qualifying to perform additional jobs. Compensation grows with expanded skills, offering clear opportunities for advancement.

Benefits Effective on Hire Date

• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs
• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability

Additional Benefits

• Vacation Time
• Monthly Bonus - Available after 1 month of employment; up to $600 per month
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) Plan with Company Match - Available the first day of the month following 60 days of employment; contributions are immediately 100% vested
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Available after 3 months of employment
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - Available after 3 months of employment
• Tuition Reimbursement

Company Summary

Kruger is a fourth-generation, family-owned company dedicated to turning renewable resources into sustainable everyday essentials. At Kruger Packaging, we manufacture innovative, eco-friendly corrugated packaging. Guided by values of safety first, family spirit, integrity, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship, we empower employees to inspire engagement, nurture expertise, and generate growth—the Kruger Way.

Position Summary

The Assistant Operator supports the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of the Converting equipment. This role works closely with the Operator to prepare materials, assist with machine setup and adjustments, monitor product quality, troubleshoot issues, and maintain housekeeping and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely set up, monitor, troubleshoot and adjust various parts of machine with direction of operator.
• Minimize machine downtime through preparation and maximize the utilization of equipment by safely operating the machinery at available capacity and speed.
• Assist in performing preventative maintenance.
• Use inventory system(s) to pull correct stock for orders.
• Perform quality inspections and recognize defects to make machine adjustments as needed.
• Maintain ink levels and use proper tools to check pH and viscosity.
• Complete required documentation and reports accurately and promptly (quality, safety, etc.).
• Enter quality test data and waste into computer system when required.
• Read and interpret production cards and technical drawings.
• Mount, remove, and rotate cutting dies and die boards.
• Assist other team members as needed.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in accordance with Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, safety rules, and housekeeping standards.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Prior work experience in manufacturing preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read tape measures and perform basic math calculations with speed and accuracy including percentages, measurement, volume, and rate.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Understanding of equipment design, capabilities, product layouts, and production specifications that can be translated into efficient operation.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and quality standards.
• Flexibility to work varied hours as needed.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs or ramps, and operating equipment. Tasks may also involve pushing, pulling, carrying, and fine or gross motor manipulation. Visual and auditory abilities required include near and far vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to hear and understand speech. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Health and Safety

All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and participating in the identification and elimination of workplace hazards.