Production Specialist; Core Operations Team Member

Job Details

• Location:
  
  Ham Lake, MN 55304
• Employment Type:
  
  Full-Time, On-Site
• Pay Rate: $19/hour starting
• Environment:
  Fast‑paced, hot, humid, dusty farm environment

The Bug Company is a leader in the pet industry, specializing in the farming and production of live insects for reptile and exotic pet owners nationwide.

The Production Specialist is a team member with a hands‑on role responsible for the daily care, handling, production, and quality control of live insect products. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, supporting insect husbandry operations, and ensuring production goals are achieved safely and consistently.

• Assist in the daily production and care of live insect colonies
• Perform insect husbandry tasks according to established procedures
• Handle live insects safely and appropriately throughout production processes
• Follow production schedules and standardized work instructions
• Operate basic equipment: tape guns, packaging tools, and materials safely and efficiently
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas
• Monitor inventory levels and report concerns to leadership
• Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality standards
• Support team members in achieving department objectives
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or process deviations immediately

• Follow all production, handling, and workplace safety procedures
• Maintain awareness of surroundings in a fast‑paced production environment
• Use equipment, tools, and materials properly at all times
• Immediately report unsafe conditions or hazards
• Support a clean and organized workplace to reduce risks and maintain product quality
• Follow biosecurity and husbandry protocols as required

• Strong attendance and reliability history
• Comfortable working in structured, process‑driven environments
• Ability to follow detailed instructions consistently
• Attention to detail while maintaining productivity
• Respect for safety procedures and workplace standards
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to learn and follow standardized processes exactly
• Ability to stay focused in repetitive but important work
• Preference for stable, long‑term employment

• Animal care or husbandry
• Greenhouse or gardening operations
• Agricultural production
• Manufacturing or production environments
• Assembly line work
• Warehouse operations
  
  General manual labor

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Standing, bending, walking, and repetitive motion throughout the shift
• Ability to work with urgency while maintaining quality standards
• Comfort working in hot, humid, and dusty conditions
• Ability to safely handle and work directly with live insects

Full‑time, consistent weekly schedule:
Tuesday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM & Friday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Hours will fluctuate based on production schedules, shipping schedules, and company needs).

• $19/hour starting rate
• ESST (Minnesota Earned Sick & Safe Time)
• Minnesota Paid Leave
• Paid vacation
• 7 paid holidays
• Medical benefits
• 401(k) with company match

• Higher expectations around reliability, attendance, and safety
• Stronger team consistency and predictable operations
• Structured workflows and clear procedures
• Greater investment in long‑term employees
• A workplace where quality, insect care, and safety matter every day

• Stable, full‑time employment
• A predictable schedule and structured environment
• A safety‑focused workplace
• Hands‑on production work with tangible results
• Long‑term job stability, not short‑term work
• A role where consistency, quality, and reliability are valued and rewarded

The Bug Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At‑will employment applies to all positions.