Packaging Specialist - Berkeley

SUMMARY

The Packaging Specialist is responsible for executing all packaging activities with precision to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality packaging of prepared food products in a USDA-regulated manufacturing environment. The role ensures accuracy in labeling, packaging integrity, compliance with food safety standards, and continuous improvement in line performance. This position supports high-volume operations, promotes operational excellence, and contributes to consistent product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Packaging Operations & Line Performance

• Operate, monitor, and adjust packaging equipment including tray sealers, weighing systems, form-fill-seal machines, date coders, and labelers.
• Maintain expected production throughput, accuracy, and packaging efficiency.
• Conduct routine quality checks including weight control, temperature verification, seal integrity, date coding, and allergen controls.
• Support accurate and timely line changeovers, ensuring proper materials and specifications are in place.
• Ensure packaging execution aligns with product specifications and documented requirements.

Food Safety, Labeling & Regulatory Compliance

• Follow all USDA, HACCP, GMP, and internal food safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized work environment and uphold sanitation requirements.
• Escalate any deviations in product, labeling, equipment, or safety immediately.

Continuous Improvement & Waste Reduction

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve line flow, and enhance equipment efficiency.
• Participate in improvement initiatives and support standardized work processes.
• Follow established methodologies for problem-solving and corrective actions.

Equipment Support

• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor adjustments to maintain equipment efficiency.
• Communicate equipment issues promptly to Maintenance with accurate log entries.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete production documentation including counts, waste logs, quality checks, and traceability records.
• Support accurate material usage reporting and packaging inventory tracking.

Collaboration & Training

• Assist in training new team members on packaging procedures, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Culinary, Quality Assurance, and Distribution teams.

General Support

• Take on additional responsibilities or interim assignments as business needs evolve.

This role offers a salary range of $60,000 – $70,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Operations, Food Science, Packaging Technology, or related field preferred.
• Training in HACCP, Food Safety, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma (White/Yellow Belt) preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 1–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or CPG environments.
• Experience working within USDA, FDA, GMP, or HACCP-regulated operations.
• Familiarity with automated or semi-automated packaging equipment.

Preferred:

• 2–4 years of experience in high-volume packaging or refrigerated food production.
• Experience with packaging line setups, changeovers, and basic troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting quality control processes, documentation, or digital production systems.
• Prior involvement in continuous improvement initiatives or