Grinder Operator

Smithfield Foods; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Education Benefit

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is hiring Material Handlers/Powered Equipment Operators to support production at our facilities in North Carolina. You will use forklifts and powered equipment to move product, adhere to safety standards, and support a high‑quality, efficient production line.

This role offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to grow within a leading global food company. Eligible applicants must be 18+, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and willing to work overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Able to stand for long shifts and perform repetitive motions.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Willing to work in cold or warm production environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other powered equipment to move product throughout the facility.
• Meet certification requirements during the qualification period.
• Follow safety protocols and wear PPE, maintain a clean, organized workspace.
• Work overtime as needed based on production demands.

Skills

Forklift operation

Hand-eye coordination

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.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. Apply Now!The Value You’ll BringAs a Material Handlers/Powered Equipment Operator team member at Smithfield Foods, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day.You’ll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference—both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly.Your OpportunityOur team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:Competitive Starting Pay - $20.30/hrComprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and MoreEducation benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirementsWhat You’ll DoMaterial Handlers/Powered Equipment Operators will work with forklifts, jack lifts, high lifts, powered industrial trucks to support movement of product throughout the facility. These positions require meeting specific certifications during the qualification period. These positions can be physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Powered Equipment Operators must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentTo 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.All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.Applicants must be willing and able to:Understand and follow oral and written instructionsPerform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending armsStand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shiftWork around animal blood and/or carcass partsWork in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees)Work in an environment that is wet and humidWork while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoesWork in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE)Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicalsWork around strong smells/odorsClimb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platformsBend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shiftWalk long distancesMay require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the positionThis work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups. Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance.Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs.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.EEO InformationSmithfield 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.