Waste Handling Technician

Butterball Farms, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Butterball Farms, Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a dedicated sanitation associate to maintain dock and production areas, clean equipment, and handle waste in a fast-paced facility. You will follow GMPs, operate hi-los and pallet jacks as trained, and uphold safety standards.

This role offers stable hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative team environment. Experience with sanitation, willingness to learn, and strong attention to detail are valued as you

Qualifications

• Experience with waste handling, sanitation, or industrial cleaning preferred.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects as required.
• Ability to work in a cold, fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain dock areas, walls, floors, lights, and guard rails.
• Power wash floors and clean the compactor area.
• Maintain and clean waste handling zones and pallet areas.
• Operate hi-los, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment as trained.
• Follow GMP, OSHA, and company sanitation standards; wear PPE.

Skills

Eye-hand coordination

Reading instructions

Fast pace

Safety-first

Job description

Join a Mission That Matters — Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

Join a Mission That Matters — Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a butter manufacturer — we’re a purpose-driven organization committed to making a meaningful impact. For over 60 years, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading food brands to craft innovative, value-added butter products that bring quality and flavor to millions of tables. Yet what truly sets us apart isn’t just what we make — it’s why we make it. Our mission is simple and powerful: to Enrich Lives, inside and outside our walls.

Recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Butterball Farms is where talent is developed, ideas are championed, and collaboration fuels results. We foster an environment where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and lead — because when our team members thrive, our business does too.

We operate as one team, united by shared values and a commitment to continuous improvement. We celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and consistently raise the bar as we evolve and scale. Every new voice strengthens our foundation and helps us build what’s next.

Our dedication to enriching lives extends beyond our products and into the communities we serve. We actively create opportunities for individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, offering meaningful work and a pathway toward a new future. We believe in second chances, investing in potential, and opening doors that build stronger individuals, stronger families, and stronger communities.

At Butterball® Farms, purpose and performance go hand in hand — and the work we do together truly makes a difference.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe our team members are our greatest investment — that’s why we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support your growth and well-being, both at work and beyond.

Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development, accountability, and internal promotion.

High-Performance Culture Join a workplace where we challenge each other to grow, think differently, and deliver our best — every shift, every day.

Inclusive & Supportive Environment We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Every voice matters.

Competitive Pay & Shift Premiums Additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift roles.

Comprehensive Benefits Plan Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

Paid Time Off & Holidays Because rest and balance make us stronger.

401(k) with Company Match Invest in your future while you help us build ours.

Tuition Reimbursement & Continuous Learning Grow your career with educational support.

Community Connection Access The Source for resources, financial counseling, and family services — supporting the whole you.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related matters.

What to Expect in Our Hiring Process

We believe every application represents a person—not just a resume. Our process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and fair at every stage.

Application Review Our team carefully reviews each application to identify alignment with the role and our organizational needs.

Virtual or Phone Interview If there’s a potential fit, you may be invited to complete a brief virtual interview or connect directly with our team to discuss your experience, goals, and interests.

On-Site Interview & Facility Tour Selected candidates will be invited to meet the team in person and experience our environment firsthand. Depending on the role, additional interviews may be part of the process.

Pre-Employment Screening As part of our standard hiring process, all candidates will be required to complete a drug screening and background check.

Background Check Review Process As a second-chance employer, a prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We are committed to fair evaluations that are specific to the individual. Background checks are reviewed in context—including factors such as time passed, relevance to the role, and demonstrated growth.

Offer & Onboarding If there’s a strong mutual fit, we’ll guide you through the offer process and provide a supportive onboarding experience designed to set you up for success from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain the dock hallway, including walls, floors, lights, and guard rails.
• Clean and maintain all dock areas inside and outside.
• Power wash floors as needed to maintain sanitary conditions.
• Clean the compactor area and surrounding floor space.
• Clean the exterior ground area after the waste company removes the compactor.
• Maintain and clean the compactor room, including the cardboard baler.
• Handle inedible waste according to facility procedures and food safety guidelines.
• Segregate wood pallets and transport them to the designated truck in the parking lot.
• Maintain organization of pallet areas to ensure safe traffic flow and efficient waste handling.
• Clean hi-los, electric pallet jacks, manual pallet jacks, and other material handling- equipment.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned safely and stored properly after use.
• Clean the basement area and remove waste, debris, and scrap materials.
• Clean grease traps located in the basement.
• Remove and dispose of basement scrap responsibly.
• Maintain walkways, entrances, and parking lots.
• Remove snow from entrances, walkways, and critical outdoor areas during winter.
• Apply salt to all assigned exterior areas to maintain safe footing.
• Follow all OSHA, GMP, and company sanitation standards.
• Wear proper PPE and use equipment safely.
• Report hazards, equipment failures, or unsafe practices promptly.
• Maintain organized, complaints waste-handling zones always.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to read and understand standard work instructions
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods of time
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced production line
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Experience With Waste Handling/compactors, Sanitation, Or Industrial Cleaning Preferred.

• Experience operating material-handling equipment (hi-los, pallet jacks) or willingness to be trained within 30 days is required.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects as required.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a consistent cleaning schedule.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), policies, and maintain product quality standards
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus!
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Seeing
• Lifting
• Reaching
• Standing
• Repetitive hand motions

Frequent (33–66% of the time):

• Kneeling
• Grasping
• Talking
• Hearing
• Walking
• Driving
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time):

• Stooping
• Crouching
• Pushing
• Additional reaching

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs
• Occasional pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs

Working Environment This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve: Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).