Meat Processing Operator 1st shift
About The Position
The Meat Processing Operator performs hands-on processing, handling, and packaging of meat-based ingredients at NaturPak’s Innovation Facility in Janesville, Wisconsin. The role supports production of pet nutrition products by processing meat ingredients safely and accurately in compliance with food safety and quality standards. Operators use meat-processing equipment, receive and prepare raw materials, monitor processing controls, complete production and traceability records, and maintain sanitation and housekeeping standards. Work takes place in a USDA-inspected, high-volume pet food manufacturing facility, in temperature-controlled processing areas that may be cold, wet, noisy, or exposed to steam. Required safety and food-safety practices include GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and facility procedures.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least 1 year of experience in food manufacturing, meat processing, or a USDA/FDA-regulated facility.
- Demonstrated knowledge of GMP and food-safety practices.
- Ability to read and follow written SOPs, batch records, and work instructions.
- Reliable attendance and ability to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on a production floor.
- Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 pounds; occasional lifts up to 60 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work in cold environments (34–40°F) and warm processing zones.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive hand and wrist motions.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including a hair/beard net, safety shoes, cut-resistant gloves, apron, and hearing protection.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in pet food manufacturing or USDA-inspected processing environments.
- Familiarity with HACCP principles and Critical Control Points.
- Experience operating industrial grinders, slicers, or portioning equipment.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Responsibilities
- Operate grinders, slicers, blenders, and portioning machinery according to established SOPs.
- Receive, inspect, and document incoming raw meat materials, verifying weight, temperature, and condition against specifications.
- Prepare and stage meat ingredients for production runs according to batch records and formulation requirements.
- Monitor and record Critical Control Points (CCPs) and processing parameters throughout the shift.
- Perform end-of-run cleanouts, CIP/COP procedures, and equipment sanitization according to food-safety protocols.
- Identify, segregate, and hold non-conforming product, and notify QA/QC immediately.
- Complete production records, batch logs, and traceability documentation in real time.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area in compliance with GMP and food-safety standards.
- Manage meat waste, trimmings, and byproducts according to USDA and facility disposal procedures.
- Report equipment issues, safety hazards, and quality concerns to the Line Lead or Supervisor immediately.
- Follow safety, food-safety, GMP, HACCP, and OSHA requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
