Protein Conversion Feather/Blood Operator

Pilgrim's; Edinburg (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision/Medical/Dental after 60 days

Paid time off

401(k) match

Job summary

Pilgrim's is seeking a Feather/Blood Systems Operator in Edinburg, VA for the 2nd shift (2:00PM – 10:30PM). The role ensures safe, efficient operation of feather and blood processing systems, monitors equipment, and upholds quality and safety standards in a high-production facility.

Responsibilities include monitoring equipment, recording production logs, and performing basic troubleshooting while maintaining sanitation and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, rendering, protein conversion, poultry preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor feather and blood processing systems, including collection, transfer, storage, drying, meal handling, pumps, tanks, conveyors, and related equipment.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and other operating parameters to ensure product quality and efficient production.
• Ensure proper material flow throughout the processing systems and make operational adjustments as needed.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and notify supervision of abnormalities.
• Collect product samples and assist with quality control activities.
• Maintain accurate production records and shift documentation.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and support equipment cleaning and sanitation activities.
• Maintain cleanliness, housekeeping, and sanitation standards in receiving, processing, and loadout areas.

Skills

Basic mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Protein Conversion Edinburg, VA

Feather/Blood Operator

2nd Shift: 2:00PM – 10:30PM

The Feather/Blood Systems Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the feather and blood processing systems within the protein conversion facility. This position monitors processing equipment, ensures product quality standards are met, maintains equipment performance, and supports production goals while adhering to all safety, environmental, and company policies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor feather and blood processing systems, including collection, transfer, storage, drying, meal handling, pumps, tanks, conveyors, and related equipment.


• Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and other operating parameters to ensure product quality and efficient production.


• Ensure proper material flow throughout the processing systems and make operational adjustments as needed.


• Conduct routine equipment inspections, identify process or equipment issues, and notify supervision or maintenance of abnormalities.


• Collect product samples and assist with quality control activities.


• Maintain accurate production records, operating logs, and shift documentation.


• Perform basic troubleshooting and support equipment cleaning and sanitation activities to maintain safe and efficient operations.


• Maintain cleanliness, housekeeping, and sanitation standards in receiving, processing, and loadout areas.

What You’ll Need

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.


• Previous manufacturing, rendering, protein conversion, poultry experience preferred.


• Experience operating cookers, pumps, conveyors, and processing equipment is preferred.


• Forklift certification is a plus.


• Ability to understand and follow operating procedures and safety guidelines.


• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.


• Strong attention to detail and quality.


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.


• Effective communication and teamwork skills.


• Demonstrates a commitment to safety.


• Maintains consistent attendance and reliability.


• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.


• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.


• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and work on elevated platforms.


• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently.


• Ability to work in varying temperatures, odors, noise levels, and outdoor weather conditions.


• Ability to wear required PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators, and steel-toed footwear.

Working Conditions

• Industrial rendering/protein conversion facility environment.


• Exposure to moving machinery, steam, heat, dust, raw materials, odors, and finished products.


• May be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency call‑ins as needed.


• Exposure to hot and cold weather

This position plays a critical role in converting raw materials into valuable finished products while supporting plant efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.

The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;


• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;


• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;


• Base Hourly: $20.45


• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post‑offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value‑added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our vision

Become the best and most respected company in our industry creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members.

Our core values

Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets

Unsolicited Assistance

Pilgrim's does not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at Pilgrim's or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by Pilgrim's. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by Pilgrim's because of an unsolicited referral.