Production Associate- 4 DAY WORKWEEK

Job Description

Job Description

4 DAY FULL TIME WORK WEEK

Position Summary

The Production Associate performs the daily hands-on work that turns raw salmon into finished, packaged product. The role covers trimming, brining, smoking, slicing, portioning, and packaging- along with the cleaning, sanitation, and recordkeeping that food safety requires. This is a physical job in a cold, wet environment. It is also a job where attention to detail directly determines product quality.

Essential Duties

• Trim, portion, and prepare raw salmon according to product specifications.
• Apply brines and cures following standardized recipes and weights.
• Load and unload smokehouse kilns; monitor product during cook cycles per HACCP protocols.
• Operate slicing, skinning, vacuum sealing, and tray-sealing equipment under supervision and after training.
• Pack finished product into cases; label and palletize for shipment.
• Complete production records, sanitation logs, and checklists accurately and on time.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen controls, and personal hygiene requirements without exception.
• Clean and sanitize workstations, tools, and equipment per SSOPs at the end of each shift and during changeovers.
• Identify and report any product, equipment, or food safety issues to the Production Manager or SQF Practitioner immediately.
• Support receiving, storage, and shipping tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.

• Authorized to work in the United States.

• Able to read, understand, and follow written instructions, recipes, and

SOPs in English.

• Willing to work in a refrigerated, wet environment for full shifts.

• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

• Ability to follow strict food safety, hygiene, and PPE requirements at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in food processing, seafood, meat, or a similar

regulated production environment.

• Familiarity with HACCP, SQF, or other food safety programs.

• Experience operating production equipment such as slicers, skinners,

vacuum sealers, or tray sealers.

• Basic comfort with tablet-based checklist or production tracking

software.

Physical Requirements

Stand and walk on hard, wet floors for 8 or more hours per shift.

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.

• Push and pull racks, totes, and pallet jacks.

• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions (knife work, packing,

trimming).

• Bend, reach, and twist throughout the shift.

• Tolerate prolonged exposure to cold (38&degree;F–50&degree;F) and damp conditions.

• Wear required PPE: smock, hairnet, beard net (if applicable), gloves,

and slip-resistant footwear.

Work Environment

This is a FDA-style food production facility. The work is performed in

temperature-controlled rooms that are cold, wet, and noisy. Strong odors of fish, smoke, and cleaning chemicals are normal. The pace is steady and production-driven. Personal jewelry, false nails, scented products, and outside food are restricted in production areas.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay: Starting at $20.00 per hour

• 4-day workweek : Monday through Thursday, with three-day weekends every week

• Health insurance : $500 per month reimbursement through a QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement), beginning after 90 days of employment. You purchase your own health plan; we reimburse you up to $500 per month tax-free.

• Paid time off : 4 days (1 work week) after 180 days of employment; 8 days total (2 work weeks) after 365 days of employment. PTO does not carry over and expires at the end of each calendar year.

• Company holidays (unpaid): Angel Oak Smokehouse is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Angel Oak Smokehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful workplace and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Angel Oak Smokehouse is a family-owned company crafting delicious, responsibly-sourced smoked salmon rooted in tradition, care, and exceptional taste. We are a fast-growing company with room for growth. Within our first year we have already landed on shelves at Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, and other major retailers!

Company Description

Angel Oak Smokehouse is a family-owned company crafting delicious, responsibly-sourced smoked salmon rooted in tradition, care, and exceptional taste. We are a fast-growing company with room for growth. Within our first year we have already landed on shelves at Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, and other major retailers!