Production Technician - Fruit by the Foot and Gushers

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.​

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Production Technician – Fruit by the Foot and Gushers
• Starting Pay: $26.90 per hour
• 12-hour shifts

Why Join Our Team

Our Geneva facility, located in the western Chicago suburbs in Kane County, joined the General Mills North America plant network in 2024. Here, we proudly produce Betty Crocker desserts, our iconic Gushers and Fruit Snacks. Our team is driven by being humble, hungry and smart and making a positive impact both within the company and in the local community (#StandingforGood). General Mills is dedicated to employee growth. If you're looking for a safety-first environment where you can develop leadership skills, expand technical capabilities, and drive results, then GMI Geneva is an excellent place to build your career.

What We Have to Offer

• $26.90 per hour starting rate
• Internal Advancement Opportunity Rates:
  • Technician I: $28.09 per hour
  • Technician II: $30.60 per hour
  • Technician III: $33.32 per hour
  • Technician IV: $36.62 per hour
  • Technician IV Level Completion: $40.84 per hour 
  • All rates include $2.00 per hour for rotation schedule differential

• Up to 120 hours of vacation annually  
• 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, life insurance
• Career growth and cross-training opportunities

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

• We prioritize work life balance, health and wellness, and equal access to resources for development opportunities and advancement.
• Our Fruit System (Fruit by the Foot and Gushers) has:
• 12-hour shifts
• Day shift: 5:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Night shift: 5:30 pm to 6:00 am
• Shift Schedule
• 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off  
• Shift Rotation (2-week work blocks)
• 2 weeks on days then 2 weeks on nights
• Schedule Perks
• 182 Scheduled Days Off Per Year
• Every other weekend is a 3-day weekend
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, holidays and emergency events
• Plant operation is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As part of our manufacturing team, you will:

• Demonstrate leadership behaviors that positively impact results/outcomes for the shift team
• Have Equipment Ownership including operation, improvement, and maintenance of equipment
• Own and manage DMS (Daily Management System) activities inside and outside of shift DDS (Daily Direction Setting)
• Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff for support
• Calibrate processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specifications
• Participate in startup, changeover, and shut down of operating equipment
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
• Have skillset and leadership development opportunities with a pay for skills program to achieve higher pay levels by developing and acquiring new skills from an "Equipment Ownership", "Process Ownership" and Leadership" standpoint
• Assist in training new employees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic problems
• Ability to learn and build technical skillsets in electrical and/or mechanical 
• Basic computer skills with the ability to use digital tools and systems to complete daily work tasks
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
• Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
• Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Manufacturing or production experience

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)​

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career:​