Production Associate

Production Associate

The Production Associate performs a variety of food processing, production, packaging, and material handling duties in a fast-paced poultry processing facility. Responsibilities may include unloading live poultry, processing and trimming products, cutting and packaging finished goods, operating production equipment, and maintaining food safety, quality, and sanitation standards. Production Associates may be assigned to different work areas based on business needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform assigned production tasks, including unloading, processing, cutting, trimming, packaging, sorting, labeling, and material handling.
• Operate production equipment, hand tools, knives, and machinery safely and efficiently.
• Inspect products to ensure quality standards and customer specifications are met.
• Follow all USDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, sanitation, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area through routine sanitation and housekeeping.
• Report equipment malfunctions, product quality concerns, food safety issues, or workplace hazards to supervision.
• Accurately follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors and team members to meet daily production goals.
• Cross-train in multiple production areas and perform duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Manufacturing or food production experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, knives, and production equipment as required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to safely operate tools and equipment.
• Ability to work extended shifts, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a fast-paced food processing facility with exposure to production equipment, live poultry, moisture, noise, refrigerated temperatures, and other manufacturing conditions.
• Employees are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed footwear, and hair and beard restraints as applicable.

Schedule:

• Production schedules may include first, second, or third shift, with 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts depending on production needs. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Participate in required safety, food safety, and job-specific training.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and maintain a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on operational needs.