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Feeder Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Nicholasville KY- Production (P)

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

General Information Posting Job Title Production Associate Locations KY Nicholasville Employment ... This role can include: feeder packer, aerator, cutting assistant, material handler and feeder ...

Work in a professional manner with other associates. * Responsible for ensuring safety, quality and ... Communicate with Feeder/Packers as to what production goals are expected of machines to ensure ...

Feeder Associate information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$23

$57

How much do feeder associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for feeder associate in Kentucky is $23.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a feeder associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Feeder Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, handheld scanners, and conveyor operations is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient material flow, accurate recordkeeping, and safe operations in fast-paced logistics environments.

What are some common challenges feeder associates face during peak operational periods?

Feeder Associates often encounter increased workloads and tight schedules during peak shipping seasons, such as holidays. Managing time efficiently while ensuring accurate processing of inbound and outbound trailers is essential. The role may require adapting to fast-paced changes, collaborating closely with drivers and dispatch teams, and maintaining a high level of attention to detail to prevent shipping errors. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial to meeting operational goals and maintaining safety standards.

What is the difference between Feeder Associate vs Material Handler?

AspectFeeder AssociateMaterial Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, manufacturing, production linesWarehouse, distribution centers, manufacturing plants
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding materials into machines, assisting production linesMoving, storing, and managing inventory of materials
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing and assembly linesCommon in logistics, warehousing, and distribution

While both roles operate in warehouse and manufacturing settings, a Feeder Associate primarily focuses on feeding materials into machines or production lines, whereas a Material Handler manages the movement and storage of materials. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a feeder associate?

A Feeder Associate is a logistics professional typically employed by parcel delivery companies, such as UPS, who is responsible for coordinating and moving trailers within a distribution center or between hubs. Their duties often include monitoring schedules, ensuring the correct trailers are assigned and moved, and assisting with yard operations to maintain an efficient flow of packages. Feeder Associates play a vital role in supporting transportation operations and ensuring timely deliveries. The job may involve both administrative tasks and physical work in the yard, often requiring attention to detail and communication skills.

What does a feeder associate do?

A feeder associate works in a warehouse or truck yard. As a feeder associate, your job duties include assigning trailers to trucks, ensuring trailers are loaded, and checking that all loads are safe and secure. You keep logs and reports on all information relevant to these processes. The primary qualifications for this role include strong communication skills, the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, and experience working in a warehouse or similar setting. Many employers require feeder associates to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The job is often used as a starting point for other warehouse or truck driving careers.

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Feeder Associate jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Feeder Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Feeder Associate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,861 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Nicholasville KY- Production (P)

Westrock

Nicholasville, KY • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

General Information
Posting Job Title
Production Associate
Locations
KY Nicholasville
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
29-Jun-2026
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
This role can include: feeder packer, aerator, cutting assistant, material handler and feeder operator.
The Opportunity
This role supports production operations by supplying materials, assisting with machine operation, and ensuring efficient and high-quality output. The position plays a key role in maintaining workflow, supporting make-ready activities, and upholding safety and quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
General Responsibilities
  • Supply production equipment with necessary materials, including large paper rolls, and transport finished goods using pallet jacks.
  • Manage machine feeding operations for assigned equipment, ensuring consistent output and efficiency.
  • Perform physical tasks including lifting, standing, walking, and material handling with appropriate equipment assistance.
  • Operate and monitor equipment; load materials, assist with make-readies, and support changeovers.
  • Stack, palletize, label, and transfer finished products to designated staging areas.
  • Conduct quality checks on finished products and incoming materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Assist with troubleshooting minor equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
  • Perform all job duties safely and efficiently, maintaining accountability for food packaging safety and product quality.
  • Maintain housekeeping and organization, adhering to 5S standards and supporting routine preventive maintenance.
  • Follow all policies and procedures, report safety or quality concerns, and participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You Need to Succeed
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to read and understand instructional materials such as operating procedures and work instructions.
  • Strong attention to safety and quality standards.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
What We Offer
  • A workplace culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with opportunities to grow and develop within operations.
  • Competitive compensation based on experience and performance.
  • A career with a global packaging leader where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are core to daily operations.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.