Operations Associate Program

Seaboard Foods; Guymon (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Seaboard Foods in Guymon, OK, offers a full-time Operations Associate Program (OAP) training path to build hands-on experience in fresh pork processing. It covers production training, FSQA, and operations management, with phased learning from entry-level roles to supervisory exposure alongside management.

The program emphasizes safety, quality standards, and practical skills for a career in meat processing. A strong teamwork mindset and adaptability in a fast-paced plant environment are valued.

Qualifications

• Required: degree in meat science/food science or related field preferred.
• Preferred internship or work experience in a meat processing plant.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to lead a team.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and stand long hours.

Responsibilities

• Participate in new hire orientation and plant overview programs.
• Learn positions on the line and demonstrate required skills.
• Develop workforce through hands-on training in working area.
• Communicate with management at all levels and provide feedback.
• Ensure new hires and employees are trained and qualified for line tasks.
• Record-keeping to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor GMPs, SOPs, CCPs, HACCP and food safety standards.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in meat science, food science or related field preferred

Internship or work experience in a meat processing plant preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Operations Associate Program (OAP) is a full-time training program for individuals who are interested in a career in fresh pork processing. The OAP gives the individual the opportunity to gain hands‑on industry experience in the day‑to‑day operations of a 900,000 square‑foot fresh pork facility harvesting 22,500 animals per day in Guymon, OK. Operations Associates develop key skills in multiple areas including production training, food safety quality assurance (FSQA), and operations management.

Phase one as a production trainer allows the individual to learn key positions required in production to obtain yields and efficiencies in the operation. Phase two gives exposure to the established food safety and quality standards for the company. Finally, phase three gives the individual the opportunity to work side‑by‑side with production management to learn the day‑to‑day management of a production line. The duration of each training phase will vary based on business needs, previous experience, and mastery of skills.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought‑after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh ® pork, ensuring the well‑being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be all‑inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

• Participate in new hire orientation, certification programs, departmental overviews of the plant and support operations to develop a thorough understanding of department functions
• Become skillful in critical production positions utilizing a variety of tools (i.e. Whizard knife, straight knife, and draw knife)
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of position requirements of assigned line/department and completely demonstrates the skills of each position on the line
• Develops a competent workforce by utilizing hands‑on training methods in the working area
• Communicates and collaborates with all levels of management within the organization
• Ensures all new hires and existing employees are trained and qualified to perform the tasks of each position on the line
• Communicates daily expectations, direction, instructions and provides ongoing feedback and follow‑up to probationary employees to achieve daily production goals and objectives
• Participate in the harvest inspection program
• Knowledgeable of general company policies and job‑specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), training requirements, and personal protective equipment
• Maintain accurate records to ensure consistency of product quality, compliance to regulatory agency requirements (USDA), company FSQA policies and procedures, and documentation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process
• Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SOPs and Critical Control Points (CCPs) to ensure the quality and food safety of product and that product specifications are met

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES

instills trust, communicates effectively, action‑oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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 or preferred. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Bachelor's or associate degree in meat science, food science or related field preferred
• Internship or work experience in a meat processing plant preferred
• Can demonstrate the ability to exercise professional judgment by providing proactive solutions and recommendations
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to facilitate, encourage and lead a team to reach set goals.
• Strong sense of urgency and works well in a fast‑paced environment
• Good critical thinking and judgement skills to reach the best possible solution to a problem
• Ability to communicate effectively and balance interactions with a diverse group of people such as employees, managers, and seniormanagement
• Stand for extended periods of time - typically 9-10 hours a day

Preferred:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to hot, cold, and humid conditions.
• The employee may work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, requiring hearing protection in all protected areas.
• The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Primarily a plant operations environment with some work in an office setting.
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.

ThisCompany is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Information on race, gender and national origin will only be used for statistical and recordkeeping purposes, and will not be used in making any employment decisions. All information provided will be kept separate from your expression of interest. Providing this information is strictly voluntary, and you will not be subjected to any adverse action or treatment if you choose not to provide this information. If you do not choose to answer these questions, we ask that you select "Decline to Identify" for each question. Thank you for your voluntary cooperation.