NSIS Sorter

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Clinton (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an NSIS Technologist to conduct inspections of live hogs, carcasses, and viscera, ensuring adherence to HACCP and USDA standards. You will identify hazards and support continuous quality improvements across processing stages.

The role emphasizes collaboration with multiple departments, documentation accuracy, and maintaining safe, high-quality products for renowned brands. Strong English skills and knowledge of regulatory requirements are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Internal candidates with 4+ years with Smithfield may have educational requirements waived.
• Must be able to read and write in English.
• Ability to read/write technical documents, follow directions, and use monitoring equipment; familiarity with spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing.

Responsibilities

• Perform NSIS-related inspections of live hogs, heads, and carcasses.
• Identify and document food safety hazards per regulations.
• Collaborate with other departments to implement procedures and resolve non-compliance.
• Help ensure product quality through monitoring and adherence to specs.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Regulatory knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

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.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a valued member of our Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FS/QA) team, you'll play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of food safety. You'll conduct routine sanitation checks, ensuring that HACCP and USDA regulations are consistently followed. Your work will directly impact the safe delivery of our top-quality products from renowned brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous, all the way to our customers and consumers.

In this role, you'll be responsible for performing NSIS procedures. The New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), developed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is designed to create a more flexible, efficient, and fully integrated meat inspection system. Unlike traditional methods, NSIS shifts more control to the establishment, with Agency personnel focusing on carcass and verification activities. As an NSIS Technologist, you'll conduct critical inspections of live hogs, heads, carcasses, and viscera. You'll be on the front lines, identifying and controlling potential food safety hazards related to pathological conditions and contamination during processing, ensuring the safety and quality of our products every step of the way.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below 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.

• Disease, Contamination & Compliance: You will recognize and identify diseases, consumer concerns, and contamination in pork/swine, ensuring compliance with Federal Regulations, Directives, and Guidelines.
• Product Monitoring & Documentation: You will ensure products meet RTC pork definitions, communicate with helpers to use the correct tags/markings, and verify inspection documentation with USDA officials and Plant Management.
• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: You will work with other departments to implement procedure changes, address non-compliance issues, and apply your technical knowledge to prevent and resolve product/process failures.
• Quality Control & Continuous Improvement: You will interpret customer specifications, apply subjective quality decisions (appearance, texture, etc.), and continuously improve product quality through attention to processes and ongoing improvements.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

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), required
• For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Technical Skills & Documentation: Ability to follow written and verbal directions, create and interpret technical documents (quality specs, safety rules, manuals), use monitoring equipment, and work with software like spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and addressing inquiries from customers or regulatory agencies. Ability to make decisions, problem-solve, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, fostering positive relationships and a team-oriented atmosphere.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• 2+ years' experience (Harvest processing, USDA inspector, or FSQA) in a related field, preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.
• Quality Assurance & Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations. Ability to uphold regulatory and company standards whil