Packaging Operator

Job Title: Packaging Operator

Job Description

The Packaging Operator works on an automated packaging line to ensure that pasta products are packaged accurately, safely, and to high quality standards. This role focuses on monitoring the packaging process, checking product quality, supporting line operations, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Responsibilities

• Operate and work on an automated packaging line to support continuous and efficient production of pasta products.
• Pull products off the line and carefully inspect the quality of the packaging, including boxes and overall presentation.
• Verify the accuracy and readability of barcodes on packaged products to ensure proper labeling and traceability.
• Assist other operators with cleanup activities, including removing debris and maintaining a clean work area.
• Break down cartons and cases and prepare them for recycling in accordance with plant procedures.
• Transport cartons and cardboard materials to the compactor for recycling in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensure all area totes are in place, used correctly, and maintained in an orderly fashion throughout the shift.
• Relieve other packaging operators during break times to maintain continuous line operation.
• Follow quality, safety, and production guidelines while performing all tasks on the packaging line.
• Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to address issues and support smooth manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of previous work experience in production or food manufacturing is preferred but not required.
• General working knowledge of computers is preferred.
• Some mechanical aptitude and general computer knowledge are preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.
• Comfortable standing on feet for the entire shift.
• Ability to work safely on an automated packaging line in a manufacturing environment.
• Attention to detail for inspecting packaging quality and verifying barcodes.
• Basic ability to follow written and verbal instructions and standard operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, general production, or manufacturing environments.
• Comfortable with work in food manufacturing or food production processes.
• Experience working on packaging lines or production lines.
• General labor and assembly experience in a plant or factory setting.
• Strong work ethic and reliability in a shift-based production environment.
• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and quality standards.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable work environment with a strong track record of job security, including no layoffs since 1998. The organization offers a comprehensive 401(k) program with a 6% match, tuition reimbursement, and wellness-focused benefits such as fitness membership and wellness app reimbursement, club membership reimbursement, and an onsite fitness center. Team members enjoy unique perks like free pasta, annual employee bonuses based on plant and individual performance, and an employee referral bonus program. Flexible scheduling supports work-life balance and provides added flexibility for personal and family needs.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production and packaging facility working on an automated packaging line. The shift schedule runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on a rotating pattern of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off. The position requires standing for the entire shift, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around machinery, packaging equipment, and recycling compactors. The environment is fast-paced and focused on food manufacturing quality and safety, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and adherence to production and safety procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.