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Tray Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gotham Greens

Packhouse Operator

Davis, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Greenhouse/Packhouse Operator (Labeler) and Runner Areas of Responsibility ... Tier 1 * Start up and shutdown of Denester, Scales, Tray Sealer, Metal Detector, Check Weigher, and ...

Ferrero

Production Operator

Augusta, GA

$13.25 - $16/hr

Machine operators role is to set up, operate and maintain machinery. The role is responsible for ... Must be able to changeover and set up the tray loader and the tray denester to each SKU in a timely ...

Ferrero

Production Operator

Augusta, GA · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Machine operators role is to set up, operate and maintain machinery. The role is responsible for ... Must be able to changeover and set up the tray loader and the tray denester to each SKU in a timely ...

Ferrero

Production Operator

Augusta, GA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Machine operators role is to set up, operate and maintain machinery. The role is responsible for ... Must be able to changeover and set up the tray loader and the tray denester to each SKU in a timely ...

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Tray Operator information

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$28

How much do tray operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tray operator in the United States is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tray operator?

Tray operators are workers responsible for managing and operating machinery that sorts, fills, or processes trays, often in manufacturing, food processing, or packaging environments. Their duties may include loading and unloading trays, monitoring equipment for proper functioning, and ensuring that products are correctly placed or packaged. Tray operators also perform quality checks, handle minor equipment adjustments, and follow safety and sanitation protocols. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and sometimes basic mechanical skills.

What are some common challenges tray operators face during peak production periods?

Tray Operators often experience increased pressure during peak production periods, as they must maintain high levels of accuracy and speed while handling large volumes of trays. This can involve carefully monitoring machinery, quickly resolving minor jams or errors, and coordinating closely with team members to keep the production line running smoothly. Effective time management and attention to detail are crucial to avoid mistakes that could disrupt workflow. Open communication with supervisors and fellow operators also helps address issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient environment.

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

To thrive as a Tray Operator, you need good manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety and quality procedures, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor systems, sorting machinery, and basic computer or control panel operations is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Tray Operators excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure efficient workflow, minimize errors, and maintain safety and quality standards in production or distribution settings.

What cities are hiring for Tray Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Tray Operator job openings:

What states have the most Tray Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tray Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Tray Operator jobs?

For Tray Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tray Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,326 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Gluer Machine Operator - Night Shift (3 Day/12 Hour)

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

SOUTHERN CHAMPION TRAY LLC
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about SOUTHERN CHAMPION TRAY LLCexternal

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Southern Champion Tray rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:


  • Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
  • Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
  • Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering and environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
  • Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Set up and operate machine(s) to insure that quality products are achieved at a consistent rate of speed in accordance with machine standards.


SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Performs work in a consistent manner as instructed, maintain standard operating procedures
  • Able to make machine adjustments in order to maintain machine at safety, quality, and production standards
  • Sets up all gluers to precise measurements and alignments within allotted time for next production run
  • At the beginning of each shift, communicates with previous shift and check previous shift's report to determine status of run
  • Communicates with upstream and downstream customers to improve safety and the quality of product
  • Uses computer system to log productivity and remarks on job, accurately completes production report and records production data 
  • Ensures accuracy of all current job information
  • Notifies Stock Puller before a new pallet of blanks is needed maintaining adequate blanks into the hopper to ensure there is no interruption in run speeds 
  • May set up and use various scanners during production
  • Starts equipment and troubleshoot machine as required to attain target speeds
  • Responsible for the quality of the product manufactured with regard to folding, gluing, packaging, labeling, and stacking
  • Performs quality sampling of product
  • Checks for scrap and quality defects; continuously check for quality defects of finished product
  • Observes packers to be sure that the proper count is going into the case
  • Operates the machine in a safe manner and to notify supervision of any unsafe conditions that might exist
  • Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and assists in repair of machine malfunctions; performs routine cleaning, and maintenance
  • Cross trains by rotating to different machines and work areas
  • Performs work without direct supervision and with a sense of urgency.
  • Communicates well with other team members 
  • Welcomes updates and improvements to processes and follow new procedures and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
  • Performs work in a manner that keeps down time to a minimum
  • Maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S systems
  • Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines. Use situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; consistently wears appropriate PPE for the task at hand and within the assigned area
  • May be asked to help with duties in other areas or departments
  • AUTHORITY: Must have the ability to lead a crew that has been placed with them to execute the demands of the operation efficiently and to respond to oral instructions from the supervisor and written instructions.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Experience operating a folder/gluer, preferably in a folding carton environment. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have basic computer skills and possess ability to utilize software. Must have mechanical ability and skills.


LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English. Must be able to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.


Night Shift (3 Day/12 Hour) - 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM EST - Orange Team
Amnicola Plant - 2601 Riverport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37406

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