Stuffing Room Operator

Salm Partners, LLC; Denmark; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading sausage manufacturer is looking for a Stuffing Room Operator in Denmark, Wisconsin. This role involves preparing raw blended meat for sausage production, with responsibilities including equipment setup, monitoring processes, and ensuring safety compliance. An ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, and preferably experience in a USDA environment. The position offers a dynamic work environment with various shifts and benefits including health coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months experience as a Backup Stuffing Operator is required.
• Experience in a USDA regulated work environment is preferred.
• Experience with ready-to-eat processed meats is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform equipment set-up for sausage production.
• Monitor production parameters and safety compliance.
• Conduct sanitation duties in the stuffing room.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Forklift

Job description

Stuffing Room Operator

Join to apply for the Stuffing Room Operator role at Salm Partners, LLC

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready‑to‑eat link sausages and hot dogs. The company was founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm. They partnered their individual talents together to create our organization, using the “partnership” concept as the cornerstone for our success. Since then, we have expanded and have two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to help grow not only its own ready‑to‑eat sausage business, but the ready‑to‑eat sausage category as a whole. The combination of the country’s most trusted retail sausage brand (Johnsonville) with the industry leading manufacturer (Salm Partners) has created a world class organization. We are committed to growth as a company and to our partners! Apply today and discover your opportunity to grow with us.

Shift schedule: 1st Shift 6 AM–2 PM Monday–Friday; Saturdays as needed. 2nd Shift 2 PM–10 PM Monday–Friday; Saturdays as needed. 3rd Shift 10 PM–6 AM Sunday–Monday; Fridays as needed.

Position Overview

Performs all activities related to the preparation of raw blended meat for processing into sausage products, including equipment set‑up, product stuffing, monitoring, and subsequent sanitation activities for the stuffing room. Complies with all safety, food safety, SQF, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications at the system control panel using the operational parameters and standard work check sheets prior to start‑up.
• Set up the Stuffing Room equipment for production operation per the Operational Parameters, including hopper, grinder, pipes, meat pumps, extrusion equipment, crimper, smoke application system, and components such as plates, springs, valves, etc., and tear down at end of production run or for sanitation per the production schedule, and have it confirmed by a Facilitator prior to start‑up.
• Set up Tower, closing doors, setting up liquid smoke system, and verify prior to start‑up of production per the established Standard Work Check List.
• Set up the brine system; add water and salt to specified parameters.
• Load raw blended meat from hopper to the grinder.
• Load the collagen hopper; ensure appropriate supply is maintained for ongoing application throughout the production run.
• Monitor pressure gauges, tower and cook chill temperatures and drive time, and computer control system to ensure the process stays within specifications.
• Complete Stuffing Room checks periodically throughout the shift per established procedures; complete length and weight checks, tower and blender checks, vat tracking, Baader and grinder checks.
• Complete documentation for lot tracking and traceability for collagen and meat vats used in production.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the meat vats, as well as a visual inspection of the meat as it is being dumped into the hopper.
• Complete collagen tests with every grinder check to ensure the percentage of collagen applied is within specifications, and complete the appropriate paperwork.
• Monitor the tower to ensure it is operating correctly and that the liquid smoke application is satisfactory; conduct smoke titration and pH testing, and adjust the percent applied as necessary.
• Record and track production and downtime, providing a detailed explanation of downtime.
• Complete Down Time Log to record and track production time.
• Assist with training Backup Operators and operators hired onto the shift.
• Perform sanitation duties that include the following: sweep, mop and squeegee floors; wipe down equipment, foam and clean belts and conveyors; wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the stuffing room, coolers and/or the tower.
• Follow all Lockout/Tagout procedures without fail.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as required.
• Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals; use cleaning chemicals appropriate for the task.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move product and supplies.
• Provide backup assistance with packaging and palletizing as needs dictate.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education

A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency and a minimum of 6 months of experience as a Backup Stuffing Operator is normally required. Certification in Industrial Maintenance or Electro‑Mechanical Technology or related field is preferred. Previous experience in a USDA regulated work environment is preferred. Experience with ready‑to‑eat processed meats is strongly preferred.

Experience

Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment and with changing environmental conditions. Must have a strong attention to detail and the ability to work rapidly and with a high degree of accuracy. Must also have a strong mechanical aptitude and commitment to working safely. Must be able to achieve forklift certification.

Skills

Communication: Must possess strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; must be able to read and understand written and spoken English language.
Computer: Must have basic computer proficiency and the ability to learn the QX operating screens and MAS 500 ERP systems. Basic Excel and Outlook skills are strongly preferred.
Mathematical: Must have basic math skills.
Reasoning: Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal or diagram form; must have strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to apply root‑cause problem‑solving methodology in problem resolution.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50 lb and periodically lift and/or move up to 80 lb. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures, ranging from 35 °F to 100 °F in the various work areas. The work environment is wet and slippery most of the time. The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud. Partners are required to wear nitrile gloves, hearing protection, frocks and hairnets, and anti‑slip footwear with composite toes at all times while working on the Stuffing Room floor. Goggles, rain suits and face shields will be required at different times in the course of the work being performed.

Benefits and Compensation

Full‑time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well‑being and future. This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA). Salm also provides company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance policies. Full‑time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values‑driven and team‑focused environment. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.