Essenti

**Packaging Operator — Grand Ridge, IL

**

**Part 1 — Job Posting

Location:

Grand Ridge, IL (on-site)

Pay:

$19–$20/hour, depending on experience (potential to be higher)

Industry:

Agriculture — seed corn production, conditioning & packaging

Job Type:

Direct Hire, Full-Time

Shift:

Day shift. 2nd-shift coverage needed seasonally in the fall (Oct–Nov) — preferred but flexible; a strong day-only candidate can still be hired.

Target Start:

**Filled by September 1 (sooner preferred). Summer training available to ramp up before peak season.

**Job Summary

**

The Packaging Operator runs the packaging line in the packaging room of a seed corn production facility. The role centers on operating an automated paper-bag filling machine that fills 50 lb paper bags of seed corn — the final step before product ships. This is a hands-on role for a reliable, computer-savvy operator who can run and troubleshoot automated equipment, keep the line moving, and hold quality on the finished product.

**Key Responsibilities

**

Operate the automated packaging line, including the automated paper-bag filling machine that fills 50 lb paper bags of seed corn.

Monitor the line for correct fill weight, bag quality, labeling, and product flow; make adjustments and clear jams to keep production running.

Use the packaging system’s computer controls to run and monitor equipment.

Lift and handle bags and materials weighing a minimum of 60 lbs.

Maintain quality standards on finished product — catch and correct issues before product is shipped.

Keep the packaging room clean, organized, and safe; follow all safety and PPE requirements (dust masks/PPE provided).

Support upstream and downstream operations and contribute to the team as needed.

Cover 2nd shift during peak fall production as needed (seasonal).

**Education & Experience

**

High school diploma or GED.

Comfortable operating automated equipment and using basic computer controls (computer-savvy).

Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.

Strongest background: prior experience at another seed company doing the same packaging work. Next best: automated packaging experience from any industry.

Agriculture background a plus; reliability, attendance, and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Able to work in an environment with exposure to seed dust and pollen (PPE provided).

**Physical Demands & Work Environment

**

Seed production plant / packaging room. Standing, lifting (minimum 60 lbs), and repetitive material handling. Exposure to dust and pollen; dust masks and PPE provided. Day shift, with seasonal 2nd-shift coverage needed during the fall.

**Compensation & Benefits

**

$19–$20/hour depending on experience (potential to be higher). Direct hire, full-time. Benefits include health, dental, disability, and 401(k); a $150 annual clothing allowance; and paid company team-building / outing days. Seasonal overtime available during peak production. Full benefit details shared with qualified candidates during screening.

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