Fat Handler - 1st Shift

Join Our Team

By joining Smithfield Foods, you become an integral part of a company dedicated to feeding people sustainably and ethically around the globe. We honor our commitment to our people, animals, communities, and environment. With diverse opportunities across locations and functions, our culture is built on gratitude, effective communication, respect, and accountability. We prioritize continuous learning, teamwork, and innovation, offering rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage of $20.60
• Education benefits available to eligible full- and part-time employees
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and additional benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development

Role Overview

As a General Production team member, you perform essential tasks to help produce safe, top-quality food products. You will collaborate closely with coworkers, demonstrating reliability, strong attention to detail, and a dedicated work ethic to meet company standards in safety, quality, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate hand tools, knives, machinery, and other equipment to process meat products
• Ensure the smooth and safe operation of the production line
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Follow all safety protocols and assist teammates as needed
• Work scheduled shifts reliably, including possible overtime based on production needs

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand on concrete or elevated platforms for up to 12-hour shifts
• Perform repetitive hand motions including grasping, pinching, and arm movements
• Comfort working around animal blood and carcass parts
• Operate knives if trained and certified
• Work in temperature variations ranging from cold (20-40°F) to warm (over 100°F) environments
• Function in wet, humid, and noisy conditions requiring use of PPE such as hard hats, hearing and eye protection, and steel-toed footwear
• Use and handle sanitation/cleaning chemicals safely
• Tolerate strong odors common in meat processing facilities
• Climb and maneuver ladders, steps, stairways, and platforms
• Bend, stoop, twist repetitively throughout the shift
• Walk extended distances during shifts
• Lift overhead items repetitively up to 30 pounds, and single lifts up to 60 pounds, possibly using mechanical assistance
• May require certification for certain equipment operation

Additional Information

All applicants must be at least 18 years old and capable of understanding and following written and verbal instructions. This is a physically demanding role requiring extensive use of various muscle groups. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Smithfield Foods is dedicated to fostering workplace diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected categories as required by law. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to contact the company.