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Tray Former Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Union Grove, WI · On-site

$19.44/hr

... on the Tray Line as needed. Salary Information The starting salary is $19.44 plus excellent ... Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation ...

Tray Former information

See Racine, WI salary details

$9

$13

$19

How much do tray former jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for tray former in Racine, WI is $13.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tray former?

Tray formers are machines or workers responsible for assembling cardboard or corrugated trays used for packaging and shipping products. In a manufacturing or warehouse setting, a tray former typically operates automated equipment that forms flat sheets of material into sturdy trays, which are then used to hold and transport goods. This role is crucial for ensuring that products are securely packed and ready for distribution, often supporting production lines in food, beverage, or retail industries. Tray formers must pay attention to machine operation, quality control, and sometimes basic maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tray former?

To thrive as a Tray Former, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of packaging processes, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tray forming machines, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help you work efficiently and maintain production standards. These skills ensure consistent product quality, operational safety, and optimal workflow in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by tray formers in a manufacturing environment, and how can they be overcome?

Tray Formers often encounter challenges such as maintaining machine efficiency, quickly troubleshooting mechanical issues, and ensuring consistent product quality under tight production deadlines. Adapting to different tray sizes and keeping up with routine maintenance schedules can also be demanding. These challenges can be managed by developing strong mechanical aptitude, staying organized with maintenance tasks, and actively communicating with team members and supervisors to promptly address issues and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Tray Former vs Cartoner?

AspectTray FormerCartoner
Primary FunctionForms trays from flat sheets or blanks for packagingAssembles and fills cartons for product packaging
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or packaging plantsPackaging lines in factories
Required SkillsMechanical skills, attention to detailMechanical skills, quality control
Common CertificationsNone specific, machinery operationMachine operation certifications often preferred

Tray formers and cartoners are both essential in packaging lines but serve different functions. Tray formers create trays for holding products, while cartoners assemble and fill cartons. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right role for your skills and career goals.

What job categories do people searching Tray Former jobs in Racine, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Tray Former jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Tray Former jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Tray Former job openings:

$19.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Department of Health Services (DHS) Southern Wisconsin Center (SWC) is recruiting to fill a full time Cook position. SWC is located in Union Grove.
The shift available is Monday through Friday, 5:45am - 2:15pm with a rotation that includes every other weekend. An $.80 per hour weekend differential will be paid for all weekend hours worked and an additional $.80 for any hours worked between 6pm - 6am.
SWC is a state operated Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. SWC provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to assist and prepare individuals to live successfully in the setting that best meets their needs. SWC brings together a rich history and state of the art treatment approaches for the new millennium. Click here to see what working at SWC is all about!
As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package , including:
  • 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time ; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
  • Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
  • Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
  • Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
  • Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
  • A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary
As a Cook at SWC, you will:
  • Assist in the preparation, identification, distribution, and storage of fresh, frozen and canned food items according to State Requirements.
  • Work with nutrition information, cooking techniques, food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Assist in food preparation for special diets and may guide the work of coworkers while assisting on the Tray Line as needed.

Salary Information
The starting salary is $19.44 plus excellent benefits. This position is eligible for an additional $0.80 for hours worked between 6 pm to 6 am, and a weekend differential of $0.80 for hours worked between midnight Friday to midnight Sunday. A 12-month probationary period is required.
A $3,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years and must stay with SWC in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.
Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Cook 1 and is in pay schedule and range 03/10.
Job Details
All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by SWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.
This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs to shoulder height, climbing ladders, bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling, stooping, standing, sitting and working on feet for extended periods of time. Applicants may be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.
DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following:
  • Training or experience working with food in a professional kitchen or restaurant setting. This includes maintaining basic sanitation and safety standards.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work scheduled hours, which include weekends, holidays, early morning or early evenings, and overtime as needed.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and accept work assignment changes as assigned by manager (e.g. cleaning, prepping, stocking, storing groceries, etc.).
Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:
  • Experience cooking in an institutional setting (e.g. hospital, long-term care facility, school, prison, etc.).
  • Experience with specialized diets, such as pureed, ground, soft bite.
  • Knowledge of food allergens.Experience using institutional cooking equipment (e.g. combi ovens, steam kettles, tilt braisers, meat grinders, etc.).
  • ServSafe certified or a comparable certification.
Your resume is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included , click here .
How To Apply
Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.
You will be required to attach your current resume in a Word or PDF compatible format and answer one or more questions.
Helpful Information:
  • Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
  • You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
  • Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
  • Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
  • If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs .
  • For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position or for other employment inquiries, please contact DHSSWCHumanResources@dhs.wisconsin.gov .
DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's Affairs, click here .
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is August 16 th by 11:59 pm.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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