Packing Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

3rd Shift Packer / Light Machine Operator – Grain & Ingredient Manufacturing
$18.50–$20.50/hr | Kankakee area, IL
Employer: Kelly Services
Job Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Hire Opportunity
Training Shift: Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
Regular Shift After Training: Monday–Friday | 10:00 PM–6:30 AM
Overtime: Mandatory overtime may be required, including same-day overtime notice
Start: As soon as screening, onboarding, and clearance are complete
From the Desk of the Recruiter
Kelly Services is hiring for a 3rd Shift Packer / Light Machine Operator opening inside a grain and ingredient manufacturing facility in the Kankakee area.
This role is mainly a packing position, with some light machine-operation duties. You will help package dry ingredient product, move bags or materials, monitor product flow, keep the area clean, and support production throughout the shift.
This is not a light-duty role. The environment can be hot, dusty, repetitive, and physically demanding. Candidates should be comfortable lifting approximately 50 lbs or more, possibly 8–12 times per hour, and working mandatory overtime when production requires it.
If you are dependable, can handle third shift, and understand heavy production work, this may be a strong opportunity.
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Job Details
Pay: $18.50–$20.50/hr
Location: Kankakee area, IL
Training Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
Regular Schedule After Training: Monday–Friday, 10:00 PM–6:30 AM
Overtime: Mandatory overtime may be required; overtime is paid at time and a half after 40 hours
Environment: Grain, corn, dry ingredient, packing, and production setting
Type: Temp-to-hire opportunity through Kelly Services
Candidates must be able to train on first shift before moving to the regular third-shift schedule.
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What You’ll Do
Pack dry grain, corn, or ingredient product into bags, boxes, containers, or packaging lines
Lift, move, stack, and stage materials weighing approximately 50 lbs or more
Perform repetitive lifting, possibly 8–12 times per hour depending on production flow
Assist with light machine operation, machine feeding, product flow, and basic production checks
Monitor bags, labels, seals, weights, and product condition
Keep the packing area clean and free of excess dust or spilled material
Follow safety, PPE, housekeeping, and production rules
Report jams, equipment issues, damaged bags, quality concerns, or unsafe conditions
Support production needs before leaving when mandatory overtime is required
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What the Work Is Really Like
This role can be physically demanding.
You should be ready for:
Hot and dusty conditions
Heavy, repetitive lifting
Standing and moving for most of the shift
Working overnight after training
Mandatory overtime, sometimes announced the same day
Keeping pace with production needs
Following safety and housekeeping rules closely
Staying focused even when the work becomes repetitive
This is a good fit for someone who has done real production, warehouse, food manufacturing, grain, packaging, or heavy-labor work before.
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What We’re Looking For
Strong candidates will have:
Recent packing, production, warehouse, food manufacturing, material handling, or machine-operation experience
Experience lifting 50 lbs or more in a production setting preferred
Comfort working in hot, dusty, or dry ingredient environments
Ability to complete first-shift training before moving to third shift
Strong attendance and reliable transportation
Willingness to work mandatory overtime when required
Ability to follow safety, PPE, and housekeeping expectations
Good communication when equipment, quality, or attendance issues come up
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Attendance Expectations
Attendance is extremely important.
During the first 30 days, candidates are expected to have:
No missed days
No late starts
No early departures
Missing time or arriving late during the first 30 days may result in the assignment ending.
After the first 30 days, the site follows a point system. Attendance, communication, overtime compliance, safety, and productivity all affect assignment continuation and hire-on consideration.
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Pre-Employment Requirements
Selected candidates must complete:
Kelly Services onboarding for tax and direct-deposit information
7-year National Criminal Locator background check
Oral-swab drug screen
THC is tested
Required screening and clearance before start
Once everything clears, Kelly Services will confirm the official start date, reporting instructions, dress code, and first-day details.
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How to Apply
For a faster response, text our recruiters the code “QTPK” at 847-729-2575.
Please include:
QTPK | First + Last Name | Kankakee | Answers to the 3 questions below
3 Quick Questions
Do you have recent packing, production, warehouse, food manufacturing, grain, or machine-operation experience?
Can you lift approximately 50 lbs or more repeatedly and work in a hot, dusty production environment?
Can you train Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, then move to 3rd shift, 10:00 PM–6:30 AM, with mandatory overtime when required?