Feed Mill Operator 1

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package Available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a facility operator for pellet feed production. You will follow SOPs for batching and pelleting, operate grinders, forklifts, and related equipment, and maintain shift reports and inventories.

You will ensure compliance with safety, ISO22000, and environmental policies while collaborating with team members in a fast-paced mill environment. The role requires flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read safety rules and maintenance instructions.
• Ability to recognize critical areas of the mill control feed/ingredient system.
• Ability to read and speak English.
• Basic computer skills desired.
• Must be able to work an average of 50 hour weeks, including nights and holidays.
• Supportive of producing high quality pellet feed.
• Willing to learn and perform different areas of the feed mill.

Responsibilities

• Follows SOPs in operator areas; handles batching and pelleting procedures with record keeping.
• Operates equipment and tools (computer, grinders, forklift, etc.) in all areas.
• Prepares and maintains shift activity, production and sampling reports.
• Regulates material flow to meet product targets.
• Performs daily feed, bulk and micro ingredient inventory.
• Keeps designated areas clean and supports coworkers.
• Maintains safety of employees and assets.
• Obtains and maintains necessary certifications (weigh master, forklift).
• Fills micro-ingredient and tote systems; maintains stock at batching areas.
• Complies with environmental laws and IPS/EMS policies.
• Reports environmental issues to supervisor; follows emergency notification process.
• Performs duties in line with ISO22000 Feed Safety and Quality Program.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading comprehension

English proficiency

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Fork lift

Weigh master certification

Mill control system

Job description

Opportunity Compensation

$17.75 hourly

Core Responsibilities

• Follows standard operating instructions/procedures in the performance of all operator areas, including flushing procedures for batching and pelleting, along with record keeping.
• Operates all equipment/tools (computer, grinders, tools, fork lift, etc.) in all areas.
• Prepares and maintains shift activity reports, tracks production reports, sampling reports, bag dump reports, reconciliations, etc.
• Regulates flow of materials and observes flow to ensure attainment of specified products.
• Performs daily feed, bulk and micro ingredient inventory.
• Performs housekeeping duties as requested by the supervisor, is responsible for keeping designated area clean while supporting co‑workers in other areas.
• Maintains and ensures the safety of all employees and assets of the company.
• Acquires and maintains necessary certifications (weigh master, fork lift, etc.).
• Responsible for filling micro‑ingredient, tote system, and maintaining necessary stock at the batching areas and receiving when need.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield subscribes.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with company IPS and EMS policies and procedures in the performance of their job duties.
• Report all environmental issues immediately to their supervisor.
• Reads and understands the company’s emergency notification process.
• Conducts duties in a way that maintains compliance with ISO22000 Feed Safety and Quality Program, including opportunities for continuous improvement.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to recognize critical areas of the mill control feed/ingredient system.
• Ability to read and speak English.
• Basic computer skills desired.
• Must be able to work an average of 50 hour weeks, including night, holiday and weekend when required.
• Must be supportive of the mission of producing high quality pellet feed.
• Must be tolerant and willing to learn and perform the different areas of the feed mill process.
• Must be able to work week‑ends and holidays.
• 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

• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch; and speak or listen.
• Must be able to tolerate extreme ranges of seasonal temperatures (hot to cold).
• Must be able to tolerate grain dust, chemical odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
• Will work in wet and/or humid conditions, and around fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, and cold.

Relocation Package Available

Relocation Package Available

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.

About Smithfield

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly." is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others.

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. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.