Food Packer
Weigh, inspect, and load packaged edibles for delivery. Also known as Packer, Foamed-In-Place
Packers are required in nearly every industry that sells products. The food industry is no exception. In fact, there’s a seemingly endless list of job opportunities within the field. Many of these jobs take place in manufacturing plants, but Food Packers might also work at a local business, or even pack up lunches for Meals on Wheels.
As a Food Packer, you obviously handle food, but the exact job depends on where you work. Sometimes, you pack boxes or other containers by hand, and other times, you operate a machine that packs the merchandise for you. Either way, it’s your job as a Food Packer to make sure the proper amount lands in each shipment.
Take potato chips, for example. You might load a dozen bags per box, counting and recording amounts as you go. You watch for merchandise that is ripped, torn, or dented. Then you take the necessary weight and measurement details, and keep a record of those as well.
Once the bags are packed, you pour in protective cushions such as air-filled bags, packing peanuts, or wadded up paper. Then you properly seal and label the container. This might require gluing, taping, or stapling boxes, crates, metal tins, or plastic containers. Then you clean each container and send it down a conveyor belt, load it onto a pallet, or otherwise move it to the shipping department for the next phase of its journey.
Personality Traits
Independent: You enjoy flying solo and doing things your own way.
Levelheaded: You hold your emotions in check, even in tough situations.
Helpful: You always keep an eye out for what other people need.
Salary and Education
Nationally: $16,000 – $32,000
Main education level: High School
source: US Dept of Labor
Find training for a career in Production and Distribution
Production and Distribution schools closest to Los Angeles, CA 90051 change location
See all schools offering Production and Distribution training programs