Feed Mill Operator 1

Smithfield Foods; Waverly (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Virginia is seeking an operator for feed production. You will follow standard procedures, operate grinders and related equipment, and maintain shift and production reports. This role supports a safe, efficient plant environment and company-wide sustainability goals.

The position requires English proficiency, the ability to work frequent long hours, and willingness to learn multiple areas of the feed mill process. Join a team focused on quality and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read and speak English.
• Must work an average of 50 hour weeks, including night, holiday and weekend when required.
• Must be willing to learn and perform different areas of the feed mill process.

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs for batching and pelleting and keep records.
• Operate equipment across all areas (grinders, forklift, etc.).
• Prepare shift activity and production reports.
• Regulate material flow to meet product specs.
• Maintain inventory of feed ingredients.
• Keep work area clean and support teammates.
• Ensure safety of employees and assets.
• Acquire and maintain certifications (weigh master, forklift).
• Comply with environmental laws and IPS/EMS policies.
• Report environmental issues to supervisor.
• Understand ISO22000 Feed Safety and Quality program and pursue improvements.

Skills

English literacy

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Basic computer skills

Long hours

Procedural compliance

Education

High school diploma

GED acceptable

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Your Opportunity

Compensation: $17.75 hourly

Have a seat at our table. 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.

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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• 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 tolerable 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

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.

• 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 AvailableNo

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.