Production Lead (Non Knife) - 1st Shift

Des Moines, IA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $20.30

Benefits

Hourly competitive starting pay

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement benefits

Education benefit

Career growth opportunities

Professional Development

Safe working environment

Job Description

Smithfield Foods is a global leader in the food industry, recognized as the world's largest pork processor and the largest hog producer in the United States. The company is dedicated to sustainably feeding people around the world by producing high-quality food with respect for its people, animals, communities, and the planet. Smithfield is renowned for its culture founded on its Core Four values: gratitude, communication, respect, and accountability. These principles guide the company in fostering a working environment that supports learning, collaboration, and innovation. As a part of Smithfield, employees are offered rewarding career opportunities across various locations and functions, allowing for professional growth and meaningful contributions to the company's mission. Employment at Smithfield offers industry-leading wages and comprehensive benefits packages designed to support the well-being of team members.

The Skilled Knife team member role at Smithfield Foods is a critical position focused on supporting the company's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality food products. This role involves performing essential production tasks related to meat processing, utilizing various hand tools such as straight knives, skinning tools, shaving tools, hand saws, powered whizard knives, and other specialized knives. A Skilled Knife team member is expected to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic to meet the company's stringent safety and quality standards. The position is physically demanding and requires good hand-eye coordination as well as the ability to handle repetitive movements. Shift work and possible overtime are necessary to meet production demands.

Working as a Skilled Knife team member, individuals contribute to maintaining an efficient and safe production line, fostering teamwork, and ensuring that quality food products reach families across the nation. Smithfield values dedication and the willingness to learn, providing a supportive environment that encourages career advancement and professional development. This position offers a competitive starting wage of $20.30 per hour along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and access to educational support for both full-time and part-time employees who meet eligibility requirements. Smithfield is committed to a safe work environment, including the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols. Join Smithfield and become a part of a company that cares deeply about its people and its impact on the world, offering a stable and rewarding career path in the food production industry.

Job Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
Must be willing and able to follow oral and written instructions
Must be able to perform continuous and repetitive movements with hands and arms
Ability to stand on concrete or platforms for long shifts
Willingness to work around animal blood and carcass parts
Must be capable of working with knives safely
Able to work in both cold (20-40 degrees) and warm (over 100 degrees) environments
Ability to work in wet and humid conditions
Must wear hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, body protection, and steel-toed safety shoes
Ability to work in noisy environments with personal protective equipment
Exposure to sanitation and cleaning chemicals
Ability to work around strong smells and odors
Physical capability to bend, stoop, twist, climb ladders or stairs, and walk long distances
May require certification to operate specific equipment
Must handle physically demanding tasks including lifting up to 60 lbs

Job Qualifications

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Good hand-eye coordination
Physical ability to perform repetitive movements including grasping, pinching, flexing, and extending arms
Capacity to stand for up to 12-hour shifts on concrete or platforms
Ability to work in varying temperature environments including cold and warm areas
Comfortable working in wet and humid conditions
Experience working with hand tools and knives preferred but not required
Willingness to comply with safety standards and wear required protective equipment

Job Duties

Work with hand tools, knives, machinery, and other equipment to process meat products
Use a variety of knives including straight knives, skinning tools, shaving tools, hand saws, and powered whizard knives
Maintain attention to detail and hand-eye coordination during production tasks
Follow safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment
Work scheduled shifts and be available for overtime as needed
Contribute to a positive team environment and support coworkers
Help maintain an efficient and safe production line