Packaging / Loader Operator

Job Type: Full-time

Shift Schedule: 2nd shift, 4-day work week – two 12-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts, with a 3-day weekend. New hires will begin on day shift for training before transitioning to 2nd shift.

Salary: $17.50 per hour + $1.50/hour shift differential upon transition to 2nd shift + 2% annual bonus

**Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

Lignetics is a leading manufacturer of renewable wood products with over 30 years of experience. We transform recycled wood materials into high-quality products, including wood pellets for home heating and grilling, animal bedding, and wood fiber-based cat litter.

Summary

The Packaging / Loader Operator is a cross-functional production position supporting both raw material handling and finished product packaging and warehouse operations. This position will spend approximately 20 hours per week operating a front-end loader and supporting raw material intake and approximately 20 hours per week assisting with packaging, shipping, and warehouse operations. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating heavy equipment, working around production machinery, and moving between responsibilities based on daily production needs.

Front-End Loader / Raw Material Operations – Approximately 50%

• Operate a front-end loader to support raw material intake and production requirements.
• Mix raw materials according to specifications to ensure the proper blend and moisture content for upcoming production.
• Receive incoming loads of raw materials and separate materials by species.
• Inspect incoming raw materials for quality and notify plant leadership of any defects or concerns.
• Load the infeed bin according to production schedule requirements.
• Conduct routine loader inspections and assist with basic loader maintenance.
• Maintain communication with coworkers regarding material availability and workflow.
• Maintain a safe and organized raw material handling area.
• Perform other duties as required.

Packaging / Warehouse Operations – Approximately 50%

• Perform both bagging and shipping functions based on production and operational needs.
• Operate production and packaging equipment in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Operate bagging and baler machines, shrink-wrapping equipment, forklifts, pallet jacks, and bag sealers.
• Stack finished bags on pallets, apply pallet covers or wrapping, and move finished goods to the appropriate warehouse location.
• Complete required production reports and accurately tag pallets with brand, date, ton number, and other required information.
• Pull product samples as required for quality control.
• Communicate moisture, material, or quality concerns to Pellet Mill Operators and production leadership.
• Move and wrap completed products.
• Assist other production and warehouse areas as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee referral bonus program
• 2 weeks of paid time off plus 2 floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and HSA options
• Educational assistance
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
• Employee heating pellet program
• Lignetics-branded gear, including an annual pair of work boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE)

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One to two years of front-end loader, heavy equipment, production, warehouse, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Prior forklift experience preferred; must successfully complete company forklift training.
• Good eye, hand, and foot coordination.
• Ability to maintain concentration for extended periods and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods depending on assigned duties.
• Ability to safely climb stairs and enter and exit front-end loader equipment throughout the shift.
• Must be comfortable working around industrial equipment and in areas involving heights or confined spaces.
• Ability to read and interpret scales and complete basic production documentation.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use basic tools and assist with routine equipment and loader maintenance.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations.
• Ability to immediately understand and react to verbal safety commands, audible alarms, and written hazard alerts in English in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in English sufficient to accurately read, interpret, and follow equipment lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, machine operation manuals, and safety instructions.
• Sufficient English verbal communication skills to clearly and immediately report equipment malfunctions, near misses, unsafe conditions, or other hazards to supervisors and team members.
• This role operates in the immediate vicinity of fast-moving, heavy equipment and automated machinery. Clear, real-time communication and adherence to English-language safety signage and procedures are required for workplace safety.

Lignetics believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under state, local, or federal law. Equal employment opportunity is extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

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