2nd Shift-Processing Team Member

Western-Smokehouse-Partners; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible schedule

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

Western Smokehouse Partners in Burlington, IA is seeking a full-time Processing Team Member to produce raw meat products by following recipes, operating equipment, and ensuring QA and USDA standards are met.

The role requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a cold environment, and adherence to GMPs, SOPs and safety protocols. Training is provided; physical tasks include lifting 50+ lbs and standing for long shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing or food processing is a plus.
• Ability to read and follow batch recipes and SOPs.
• Familiarity with Vista Trac is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good communication skills and a proactive work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-operational inspections of machines, rooms and equipment.
• Receive shipments and complete required documentation and inspections.
• Maintain and rotate inventory using FIFO.
• Scan ingredients into Vista Trac for traceability.
• Store meat in freezers/coolers for production staging.
• Weight and grind raw materials to batch specs.
• Set up and operate equipment to meet product requirements.
• Stuff meat into casings and inspect on the linking line.
• Load smokehouses and start programs per batch specs.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas.
• Follow SOPs, GMPs, and USDA/FDA regulations.

Skills

Batch recipes

Food safety

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Proactive work ethic

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Vista Trac

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Burlington IA - Burlington, IA 52601Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $21.00 - $21.00 HourlyJob Category: ManufacturingJoin the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!

We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry‑leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Western Smokehouse Partners is looking for a fulltime Processing Team Member.

The Processing Team Member is responsible for producing raw meat products by performing a variety of tasks including receiving, grinding, mixing, stuffing, linking, cooking, and documentation to ensure adherence to customer specifications, Quality Assurance (QA) standards, and USDA regulations. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, food safety, and production efficiency. The technician must be detail‑oriented, safety-focused, and capable of working in a cold environment with frequent lifting and repetitive motion.

Essential Duties

• 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 (First In, First Out) practices.
• Accurately scan ingredients into Vista Trac to ensure traceability and inventory accuracy.
• Store meat in appropriate freezers or coolers for production staging.
• Weigh and grind raw materials to precise batch specifications.
• Mix ingredients according to batch formulas and product requirements.
• Set up, operate, and adjust equipment to meet specific 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 per batch specifications.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas before and after production.
• Maintain cleanliness of the production floor by removing debris and following disposal protocols.
• Label and tag product racks with accurate product names, flavors, and color codes.
• Verify accuracy of product labels and tags for compliance with specifications.
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while on the production floor.
• Unload trailers, verify Bill of Lading (BOL) and packing slips, and scan products into Vista Trac.
• Stock ingredients and materials on designated racks.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and FDA/USDA regulations.
• Report any food safety issues, equipment failures, or facility concerns to the supervisor immediately.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or food processing environment is a plus.
• Ability to read and follow batch recipes and standard operating procedures.
• Familiarity with inventory systems such as Vista Trac is preferred.
• 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to stand for 8–10 hours per shift.
• Must lift 50+ lbs. repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Repetitive motion and physical activity are required.
• Work is performed in a refrigerated/cold environment.
• PPE must be worn at all times in production areas.
• Noise levels may be moderate to high depending on machinery.

Benefits Offered

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible schedule
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Compliance and Safety

This position must comply with all company policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA, USDA, and FDA regulations. Employees are expected to maintain a safe work environment and report any safety or food safety concerns immediately.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Western Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.