1st Shift-Processing Team Member

WESTERN SMOKEHOUSE PARTNERS•Burlington, IA

4d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Western Smokehouse Partners is seeking a full-time Processing Team Member to produce raw meat products. The role includes receiving, grinding, mixing, stuffing, linking, cooking, and documenting production to meet customer specifications, quality assurance standards, and USDA regulations. The position contributes to product quality, food safety, and production efficiency. It requires attention to detail, a safety-focused approach, and the ability to work in a cold environment with frequent lifting and repetitive motion. The team member conducts equipment and room inspections, handles and documents incoming shipments, maintains inventory, stages ingredients and meat, and uses Vista Trac for scanning and traceability. They operate and clean processing equipment, prepare products according to batch specifications, monitor product quality, and ensure product labels and tags are accurate. The role also requires following company procedures and applicable GMP, OSHA, USDA, and FDA regulations, wearing required PPE, and promptly reporting food safety, equipment, or facility concerns. The position is located in Burlington, Iowa, and pays $19.50 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Ability to read and follow batch recipes and standard operating procedures.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Good communication skills and a proactive work ethic.
Ability to stand for 8–10 hours per shift.
Ability to repeatedly lift 50+ pounds throughout the shift.
Ability to perform repetitive motion and physical activity.
Ability to work in a refrigerated or cold environment and wear PPE in production areas.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or food processing environment.
Familiarity with inventory systems such as Vista Trac.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-operational inspections of machines, processing rooms, and equipment.
Receive incoming shipments and complete required documentation and inspections.
Maintain and rotate inventory using FIFO practices.
Scan ingredients into Vista Trac for traceability and inventory accuracy.
Store meat in appropriate freezers or coolers for production staging.
Weigh and grind raw materials to batch specifications.
Mix ingredients according to batch formulas and product requirements.
Set up, operate, and adjust equipment to meet product and customer requirements.
Stuff meat into casings using appropriate v-mags and ensure correct casing cuts.
Hang and inspect meat sticks on the linking line for quality control.
Load smokehouses and start programs according to batch specifications.
Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas before and after production.
Keep the production floor clean, remove debris, and follow disposal protocols.
Label and tag product racks with accurate product names, flavors, and color codes.
Verify product labels and tags for accuracy and compliance with specifications.
Wear required PPE in production areas.
Unload trailers, verify bills of lading and packing slips, and scan products into Vista Trac.
Stock ingredients and materials on designated racks.
Follow SOPs, GMPs, and FDA and USDA regulations.
Immediately report food safety issues, equipment failures, or facility concerns to the supervisor.
Assume duties of other Processing Technicians or the Receiving Manager as needed during absences.
Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational goals.
Comply with company policies, GMPs, OSHA, USDA, and FDA regulations; maintain a safe work environment and report safety or food safety concerns.