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Temporary Packer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Express

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Employees may be assigned to perform other tasks such as packing, palletizing, trimming, inserting master packs, housekeeping, rework, general labor activities, etc. on a temporary basis.

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Temporary Packer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

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How much do temporary packer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary packer in Columbia, SC is $14.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary packer?

Temporary Packers are workers hired on a short-term basis to help prepare goods for shipment or storage. Their main duties typically include assembling boxes, packing products securely, and labeling items as needed. Temporary Packers are often employed during busy seasons or to cover staff shortages. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to work quickly, and physical stamina. Temporary Packers may work in warehouses, factories, or shipping centers.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a temporary packer in a warehouse environment?

As a Temporary Packer, your daily tasks generally include assembling boxes, carefully packing items according to company standards, labeling packages, and preparing them for shipment. You may also be responsible for inspecting products for quality, maintaining a clean workstation, and keeping track of inventory as orders are fulfilled. The role often requires working as part of a team, communicating with supervisors and other staff to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the packing process. Physical stamina and attention to detail are important, as you may be on your feet for most of your shift and handle repetitive tasks.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Packer, you need strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and basic literacy and numeracy skills, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, barcode scanners, and basic packaging equipment is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this position. These skills ensure that products are accurately and efficiently packed, contributing to smooth warehouse operations and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Temporary Packer vs Packer?

AspectTemporary PackerPacker
CredentialsNo specific certifications required, but some employers prefer basic warehouse trainingSame as Temporary Packer, often no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentTemporary, often in warehouses, distribution centers, or manufacturing facilitiesPermanent or long-term roles in similar environments
Employer UsageHired through staffing agencies for short-term needsEmployed directly by companies for ongoing packing tasks
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term packing jobs or temp rolesSeeking permanent packing positions or career growth

The main difference between a Temporary Packer and a Packer lies in employment duration and hiring method. Temporary Packers are hired through staffing agencies for short-term assignments, while Packers are typically employed directly by companies for ongoing roles. Both roles require similar skills and work environments, but their employment terms differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packer jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Packer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Packer jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Temporary Packer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Packer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Packer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Temporary Packer jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Temporary Packer job openings:

Temporary Packer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Packer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,998 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Fresh Express

Columbia, SC • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Fresh Express rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

1st Shift - 7:00AM - Until Finish
The Machine Operator should be able to independently operate identified/assigned packaging machines installed at the site.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Compliance to SOP's, GMPs, Housekeeping, Safety, and all other FE policies.
  • Must inspect settings for codes, dates, leaks, oxygen levels, and seals to ensure proper operation of the assigned equipment.
  • Completes all required safety, Food safety, production, maintenance, etc. documentation as required. These forms which include, but are not limited to packaging machine forms, quality forms, packaging downtime forms, forming tube inspection and Teflon tape related forms.
  • Be able to participate in process improvement projects or new product testing.
  • Report any equipment malfunction to the PMO, floor coordinator or supervisor immediately.
  • Report any unsafe condition immediately.
  • An Operator III is able to independently run, and support assigned designated packaging machines and support equipment.
  • Assists higher level Operators as needed.
  • Executes necessary changeovers in equipment, film, printers, and related ancillary processes while ensuring production expectations are met.
  • Assure that all date coding and bag labeling is correct i.e., packages, boxes, etc.
  • Plan ahead on supplies needed for upcoming products per schedule.
  • Keep work area and equipment clean and free of garbage/debris at all times.
  • Able to assist in different lines or baggers as needed.
  • Works as directed and as a team
  • Supports teammates
  • Contributes to goals
  • Ability to set up multiple machines for startup and during production
  • Must be able and willing to assist in all jobs on line to keep machines running at all times.
  • Works cooperatively with process owners to maintain quality standards
  • Assures quality products are being produced by meeting quality specifications for production on assigned line(s). Uses a variety of means for measurement such as equipment setting confirmation along with probes, tanks, and meters to monitor such things as bag atmospheres, leaker rates, weights, etc.
  • Makes machine adjustments as needed to achieve and maintain expected equipment performance.
  • Employees may be assigned to perform other tasks such as packing, palletizing, trimming, inserting master packs, housekeeping, rework, general labor activities, etc. on a temporary basis.
  • Responsible for actively supporting the other members of the employee's work team including assisting with cross-training, new-hire/buddy assignments, and process support during breaks, meal periods, and other staff coverage as needed.
  • Able to pass both written and hands-on LOTO (Lock-Out Tag-Out) training on a yearly basis and be able to successfully lock out machinery as needed.
  • Can advance to Machine operator II through training and education after 1 year.

Required Qualifications/Skills:
  • Must have basic mechanical troubleshooting skills and know basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, simple formulas, and conversions.
  • Must take a written test to demonstrate proficiency.
  • Must have ability to accurately track downtime and performance indicators.
  • Must be able to successfully speak, read and write English at the level of work instructions, diagrams and related equipment documentation and support materials.
  • Must adhere to GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) and PPE's (Personal Protection Equipment).

Must be able to lift 75 pounds (dead lift) continual and box opening for 8 hours a day or more.
  • Must pass a math aptitude test and must pass the required strength physical examination.
  • Must have repetitive hand and eye movement skills.
  • Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift (8 hours or more), perform repetitive motions throughout the shift such as push/pull/lift, twist, stoop, and bend continuously through the shift
  • Be able to climb stairs or step up onto a platform several times throughout the shift.
  • Must be able to work in a noisy, wet, and cold environment of approximately 30-34 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Must be able to work 6 or more consecutive days including overtime, any shift, late nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills:
  • Prior experience in a similar temperature/strenuous work environment preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish

Experience:
Must have previous experience operating related food processing equipment or equivalent.
Prior experience in a packing environment
Education/Training:
High School diploma/GED, some Technical School coursework, or Mechanical/Vocational Certification
Other Information:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

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