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Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Filler Machine Operator Location: Bakersfield, CA Employment Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire Pay Rate ... Operate and monitor automated bottling, filling, and packaging equipment to ensure continuous ...

Sleever Operator

Bakersfield, CA

$17 - $20.25/hr

Responsible for operating equipment for production lines. Serve as a contact for plant leadership ... machine settings for maximum efficiency. • Maintain factory OEE standards. • Fill out daily ...

Sleever Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Overview Responsible for operating equipment for production lines. Serve as a contact for plant ... machine settings for maximum efficiency. • Maintain factory OEE standards. • Fill out daily ...

Technician I, Packaging

Delano, CA · On-site

$23.18 - $24.21/hr

Collaborates with Operators to ensure equipment runs and operates at the highest efficiencies ... Dismantle and reassemble complex pieces of machinery in an efficient, precise and reliable manner

Technician I, Packaging

Delano, CA · On-site

$23.18 - $24.21/hr

Collaborates with Operators to ensure equipment runs and operates at the highest efficiencies ... Dismantle and reassemble complex pieces of machinery in an efficient, precise and reliable manner

Technician I, Packaging

Delano, CA · On-site

$23.18 - $24.21/hr

Collaborates with Operators to ensure equipment runs and operates at the highest efficiencies ... Dismantle and reassemble complex pieces of machinery in an efficient, precise and reliable manner

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Packaging Machine Operator information

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How much do packaging machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging machine operator in Bakersfield, CA is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a packaging machine operator do?

A packaging machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining packaging machinery to ensure products are packed efficiently and accurately. They monitor the machines during operation, troubleshoot issues, and perform quality checks to meet safety and production standards. The role often requires attention to detail, knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Is packaging machine operator hard?

Packaging machine operators typically perform repetitive tasks and need to pay close attention to detail to ensure products are correctly packaged. The job may require standing for long periods and operating machinery safely, but with proper training, it is generally manageable for most individuals. Skills in machinery operation and safety protocols are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging machine operator?

To thrive as a Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging machinery, basic computer systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators adapt to production changes and prevent downtime. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.

What is the difference between Packaging Machine Operator vs Material Handler?

AspectPackaging Machine OperatorMaterial Handler
Primary RoleOperates packaging machinery to package products efficientlyMoves, loads, and unloads materials and products within a facility
Skills & CertificationsMechanical skills, attention to detail, safety trainingForklift certification, physical stamina, safety awareness
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production linesWarehouses, distribution centers
Industry UsageFood, pharmaceuticals, consumer goodsLogistics, manufacturing, distribution

While both roles are essential in manufacturing and logistics, Packaging Machine Operators focus on operating and maintaining packaging equipment, ensuring products are properly sealed and labeled. Material Handlers primarily manage the movement and storage of materials within facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on skills and interests.

What is a packaging machine operator?

Packaging Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for running, monitoring, and maintaining machinery that packages products in factories or warehouses. They set up the equipment, ensure it runs efficiently, load materials, and inspect finished packages for quality. Their role also includes troubleshooting minor issues, performing regular maintenance, and following safety standards to prevent accidents. Packaging Machine Operators are essential for ensuring that goods are properly packed and ready for shipment or sale.

What are the most common challenges packaging machine operators face during a typical shift?

Packaging Machine Operators frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Operators must stay alert to quickly identify and resolve minor mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime. Additionally, they need to follow strict safety and hygiene protocols, often while working in fast-paced environments with repetitive tasks. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are essential for collaborating with maintenance teams and supervisors when more complex problems arise.

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA?

For Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:

What cities near Bakersfield, CA are hiring for Packaging Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Bakersfield, CA with the most Packaging Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging Machine Operator job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,985 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Packaging Machine Operator-Food Service Fresh- Shift 1

NEW CARROT FARMS LLC

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

THE ROLE:

  • This position will report to the: Supervisor
  • Travel requirements: N/A
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • Shift: 1
  • Employment Category: Full-Time Regular
  • Pay Range: $20.00 to $23.00

STRONG HISTORY. EXCITING FUTURE

Bolthouse Fresh Foods is a leader in carrot production, serving as a grower, packer, processor, and shipper. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, we are a proud employer to 1,600 dedicated individuals. Since 1915, we have been committed to growing and producing high-quality carrots, and today, we are one of North America’s largest growers and distributors of fresh carrots for cooking and snacking. Additionally, we supply premium natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry. With over a century of excellence, Bolthouse Fresh™ products are available at major retailers across North America.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods has approximately 1,600 employees.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE

As a PMO (Packaging Machine Operator), is responsible for the set up and operation of automated bagging and scale equipment in a safe and efficient manner within the department area. The PMO will also be responsible for operating and maintaining packaging equipment to ensure the efficient and safe production of high-quality products. You will work closely with the production team to ensure that all products are packaged according to company standards and meet customer expectations. Your attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly will be critical to your success in this role. You will report to the Production Supervisor and work closely with other team members to ensure that all production goals are met.

  • Operate and maintain packaging equipment to ensure the efficient and safe production of high-quality products
  • Monitor production line and make necessary adjustments to ensure that all products are packaged according to company standards
  • Perform routine maintenance on equipment and troubleshoot and resolve issues as they arise
  • Maintain accurate production records and report any issues or concerns to the Production Supervisor
  • Work closely with the production team to ensure that all production goals are met
  • Minimizing film and carrot waste, Monitoring weight control, maintaining sanitation of equipment, ensuring product quality, Documentation, Following Good Manufacturing Practices and checking the metal detector and check weigher every 30 minutes.
  • Responsible for meeting daily schedules for the number of bags to package. On each shift, you are expected to meet your case demand schedule quotas, which are directly related to machine efficiency.
  • Responsible for producing quality bags. Quality bags ensure that BFF products maintain high customer appeal in both appearance and taste. Bag quality refers to the proper seals, proper code date, correct graphics, and proper registration of the bag. These components will be discussed in detail in later sections.
  • Responsible for minimizing the waste of packaging material. Packaging material is known as film or roll-stock in this manual. On each shift, you thread film through your machine to make bags. Film is one of the more expensive items we buy to make a finished package. You are responsible for minimizing the waste of this material.
  • Responsible for monitoring the correct weight of the product and water in the bags. Government guidelines must be followed. Every bag produced by your machine must have the correct weight.
  • Responsible for keeping your work area orderly. You should keep your work area clean to meet sanitation guidelines. Clean and orderly work areas reduce accidents and increase quality, this also includes wiping down your bagger daily to keep it clean.
  • Responsible for the daily upkeep of your packaging machine. If your machine breaks down, it is your responsibility to let your supervisor know that a maintenance mechanic is needed. Bagger lubrication is all required daily.
  • Critical Control Points (CCP) You are responsible for helping to ensure product quality by monitoring each packaging machine’s metal detector/ X-Ray. - Foreign objects - O2 checks, leak checks, air displacement.
  • At direction of plant manager, change bags using proper process to stop machine, obtain and load correct bag
  • Maintain a clean, organized work environment and replenish supplies as needed
  • During the packing operation, the PMO is constantly on the alert for any of the following:
  • Bags out of registration ▪ Code dates that are missing or smeared ▪ Code dates that are in the wrong position ▪ Bad seals ▪ Improper pillow ▪ Light or overweight bags ▪ Off-centered graphics ▪ Product in seal
  • There are several factors that contribute to good productivity. They include:
  • Time management (Being on time, punctual on breaks and ready to work.) ▪ Work fitness ▪ Proper body mechanics (Using your body correctly to avoid injury.) ▪ Sequence of movement (Establishing productive habits so no task is forgotten or overlooked.) ▪ Teamwork (Helping one another so jobs can be done quickly and efficiently.)
  • Performed other duties as assigned

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent or one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience   
  • Proven, reliable work history.   
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.  
  • Communicate effectively in English both written and verbal.   
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet production goals.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Mustattend Scale and bagger training and pass final exams
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and high-pressure environment
  • Must be able to work as a team and follow instructions
  • Able to use the equipment and tools used to perform the job
  • Obtain certification on bagging and scale machines throughrequiredtraining andcertificationprogram.
  • Complete Lock-out/Tag out Awareness Training
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ensure the efficient and safe production of high-quality products.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics tooperateand maintain packaging equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Six months to one-year experience in a food production or manufacturing facility operating packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment
  • Six months to one-year experience in a food production or manufacturing facility
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
  • Prior experience with Triangle, Pacmac, Ishida scales® bagging machines
  • Experience with automated packaging equipment
  • Experience in the food or beverage industry
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to ascend and descent ramps, steps, ladders, stairs using three-point contact
  • Environment exposure_ hot/humid conditions (95 °Fahrenheitor above).
  • Environmental exposure- cold/wet conditions (40 °Fahrenheitor below)
  • Material exposure-moving mechanical parts
  • Occasional exposure to environmental factors such as fumes, airborneparticlesand vibrations.
  • Able to lift, slide, and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Able to stand for an extended period

HOURS & WORKDAYS:

  • 1st shift 6:30am - 3:30pm; Monday - Friday. Occasionally Saturdays/Sunday; Rotating schedules, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be mandatory based on business needs.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible co-workers and their families.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Group Life and AD&D
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D
  • Group Short-Term Disability
  • Group Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401k 
  • Paid Time Off

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

"Bolthouse Fresh Foods is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential."

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Bolthouse Fresh Foods and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at: TalentAcquisition@BolthouseFresh.com for additional support or guidance.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

Bolthouse Fresh Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bolthouse Fresh Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.


1st shift 6:30am - 3:30pm; Monday - Friday. Occasionally Saturdays/Sunday; Rotating schedules, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be mandatory based on business needs.