Lead Smokehouse Operator – 3rd Shift

POSITION:
Lead Smokehouse Operator – 3rd Shift

Lead Smokehouse Operator – 3rd Shift

Ferndale, WA
Our quality products have a heritage dating back to the early 1800’s at the Hempler’s family sausage kitchen in Borken, Germany. Hans Hempler worked in the family sausage business in Germany as a youngster. He served as an apprentice sausage maker and learned first‑hand the family’s old secret recipes becoming a master sausage maker before moving to the United States. Hans came to the United States in 1928 and, in those early years, worked hard and saved his money.

It is our mission, and passion, to produce and distribute the highest quality products, while operating with the highest integrity and standards for personalized service to our customers. We strive to achieve these results by purchasing high quality ingredients and by employing passionate people, training them well, and developing an extended “family” of employees dedicated to accomplishing our mission.

The Lead Smokehouse Operator oversees daily smokehouse production operations while ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance with company and food safety standards. This role leads and supports team members, monitors equipment and production processes, conducts quality checks, resolves minor operational issues, and helps maintain a safe, productive, and organized work environment.

SCHEDULE: 7:00pm – 4:30am Monday – Friday and as needed Saturdays.

WAGE: $25.00 – $29.00 DOE, subject to all required taxes and with holdings, plus $2.00 per hour for shift differential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow OSHA, PPE, lockout/tagout, fire, and chemical safety procedures.
• Ensure employees follow safety, GMP, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Conduct safety and quality inspections and report issues or incidents.
• Monitor smokehouse production processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with SOPs.
• Complete production paperwork and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate production schedules and communicate operational updates or concerns.
• Inspect equipment regularly and perform basic troubleshooting when needed.
• Escalate maintenance or equipment issues to the appropriate department.
• Lead, train, and mentor smokehouse operator team members.
• Delegate tasks and support daily team operations and shift handovers.
• Resolve minor operational or staffing issues to maintain workflow.
• Support production goals while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Regularly inspect machinery to ensure proper operation and identify potential issues.
• Identify common mechanical and operational equipment problems.
• Perform basic troubleshooting for minor equipment failures.
• Escalate major equipment or maintenance issues to the maintenance team when necessary.

Communication and Problem Solving

• Report production updates, challenges, and operational issues to supervisors or managers.
• Work with maintenance, quality control, and other departments to resolve production concerns.
• Address minor operational disruptions such as equipment malfunctions or staffing shortages.
• Communicate production schedules, expectations, and challenges clearly with team members.
• Support problem‑solving efforts to maintain smooth and efficient production operations.

Leadership and Communication Skills

• Lead and oversee a small production team effectively.
• Delegate tasks and support daily production operations.
• Communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
• Resolve conflicts and manage team dynamics professionally.
• Provide training, mentorship, and constructive feedback to employees.
• Conduct daily team meetings and shift handovers.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a productive work environment.

On‑the‑Job Experience and Mentorship

• Shadow an experienced line lead during a full production cycle.
• Learn daily smokehouse operations through hands‑on training.
• Take responsibility for leading the production line under supervision.
• Manage team workflow and support production goals during shifts.
• Address real‑time operational issues and provide feedback to team members.
• Develop leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills through mentorship.

Assessment…