How to hire a case operator

How to hire a case operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step case operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a case operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new case operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a case operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a case operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a case operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents case operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Case Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Case Operator		$12-25
   Forklift Driver	A forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more	$12-19
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallets
   • Hand Tools
   • Rig
   • GMP
   • CDL
   • RAN
   • Tongs
   • DOT
   • JSA
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Well Site
   • Equipment Maintenance

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform plug and abandon operations as wireline/pump operator combo for variousjobsites including H2S sites, and multi-well packages.
   • Work``shut down twice per year cleaning and recalibrating extrusion machines with mechanics.
   • Operate extrusion, drying, coating, cooling, product transfer, and cleaning equipment and systems.
   • Perform plug and abandon operations as wireline/pump operator combo for variousjobsites including H2S sites, and multi-well packages.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your case operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A case operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, case operators' average salary in arkansas is 30% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level case operators 52% less than senior-level case operators.
   • Certifications. A case operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a case operator's salary.

   Average case operator salary

   $37,632yearly

   $18.09 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level case operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

4. Writing a case operator job description

   A case operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a case operator job description:

   Case operator job description example

   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   The employee will be responsible for the following duties within the Production Department:
   
   Committed to producing safe, quality food Proper documentation is required. All documentation must be filled out completely and legibly. All quality documentation must be turned in at the end of the shift.The employee will be responsible for following the documentation expectations policy Responsible for minor equipment repairs and adjustments Maintain case former area to be clutter free; mop and squeegee area as appropriate Monitor case former operation ensuring that boxes are properly formed and glued correctly, verifying case print is legible and within registration. Complete case former inspection worksheet Keep case former loaded with adequate supply of corrugate and replenish case former glue pot. Empty bottle trough.Responsible for all change over aspects The case former operator shall be required to pass the Powered Industrial Vehicle training. The employee shall fill out proper Pre Shift Inspection Form for any powered industrial vehicle on a daily basis. Pre Shift Inspection Forms shall be turned in to the designated tray at the Warehouse Office.Know and perform all sanitation requirements of processing and production; following correct procedures, sanitation processes, and safe use of chemicals. Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) Ensure actions are consistent with and support plant safety goals and procedures Will perform duties as assigned by Supervisor or Team Leader
   
   Our Benefits:
   
   We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
   Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
   
   Our Company:
   
   Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that's passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye , Marie Callender's , Banquet , Healthy Choice , Slim Jim , Reddi-wip , and Vlasic , and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP , Duke's , Earth Balance , Gardein , and Frontera .
   We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
   
   Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right case operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your case operator job on Zippia to find and recruit case operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit case operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new case operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the case operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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