Bakery Plant Material Handler

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Professional development

LinkedIn Learning

Smithfield Scholarship

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking team members to join our plant operations. This role involves operating powered industrial vehicles, following SOPs, and supporting safety and environmental policies.

You will handle blending, inventory, unloading of trailers, and maintain clean, safe work areas. A High School Diploma or GED is preferred, with willingness to work 50-hour weeks including nights and weekends. Some bakery waste may contain allergens.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Must read and understand safety rules and manuals in English.
• Able to work ~50 hours per week, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Prior experience operating heavy equipment or forklifts preferred.
• Ability to acquire certifications (weigh master, forklift, articulated loader, skid steer, tractor).
• Able to work around bakery waste with allergens.

Responsibilities

• Operate powered industrial vehicles safely and follow SOPs.
• Regulate material blending for product consistency.
• Assist with inventory and unload trailers.
• Spot trailers for unloading and perform housekeeping.
• Work within EMS policies and environmental procedures.
• Protect company assets by operating equipment safely.

Skills

Teamwork

English literacy

Safety awareness

Flexibility

Dependability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Weigh master

Articulated loader

Skid steer

Tractor

Job description

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Your Opportunity Compensation: $17.75/hourly

Core Responsibilities

• Follows standard operating instructions/procedures in the performance of all duties, including inspection and safe operation of powered industrial vehicles, housekeeping, and inventory management.
• Operates powered industrial vehicles in all areas.
• Regulates blending of materials as instructed to ensure attainment of specified product consistency and moisture.
• Assists with inventory.
• Performs assigned housekeeping duties by taking the initiative to assist other workers in maintaining and ensuring the orderliness of all areas of the plant.
• Spot trailers for unloading.
• Unloads both bulk and palletized trailers.
• Performs all work tasks in a manner consistent with the site's Environmental Management System Policy to include: Following all established environmental policies and procedures; Reporting all environmental issues immediately to their supervisor; Understanding the EMS Policy and the Significant Aspects Related to their job; and, Understanding the proper steps to follow in the event of an environmental emergency.
• Operates equipment in a safe manner so as to protect the assets of the company and reduce risks to other workers.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED, preferred.

Must be able to work with and around a wide range of bakery waste products some of which will contain allergens (i.e. peanuts).

Ability to read and understand common documents such as safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English.

Must be able to work an average of 50-hour weeks, including night, holiday and weekends when required. Longer hours may be required based upon business need.

Prior experience operating heavy equipment, forklifts, tractors, or other powered industrial vehicles preferred.

Ability to acquire and maintain necessary certifications (weigh master, fork lift, articulated loader, skid steer, tractor, etc.).

Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 lbs. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

No EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees' children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.