Production Lead; Non Knife - 1st Shift

Role Overview

Smithfield Foods seeks a Skilled Knife team member to support safe, high‑quality meat processing operations. The role involves hand‑tool use, knife work, and equipment operation to meet production and safety standards.

• Process meat products using straight knives, skinning tools, shaving tools, hand saws, powered whizard knives, and other equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient production line.
• Adhere to company safety, quality, and teamwork standards.
• Work scheduled shifts; overtime may be required based on production demands.

• Perform continuous or repetitive movements including grasping, pinching, and arm flexing.
• Stand on concrete or platforms for up to a 12‑hour shift.
• Operate knives and work around animal blood and carcass parts.
• Work in cold areas (20–40°F) or warm areas (over 100°F) and in wet and humid conditions.
• Wear hard hat, hearing/eye/body protection, and steel‑toed safety shoes.
• Operate in noisy environments while using personal protective equipment.
• Handle sanitation/cleaning chemicals and work around strong odors.
• Climb or move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways, and platforms.
• Bend, stoop, twist repetitively, and walk long distances.
• May require mechanical assistance for lifting repetitive overhead loads up to 30lb or single lifts up to 60lb.
• Possibly require certification for operating specific equipment.

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Willingness and ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Physical ability to perform tasks listed in the physical demands section.
• Certification may be required for certain equipment as indicated.

• Hourly competitive starting pay – $20.30/hour.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and more.
• Education benefit available to full‑ and part‑time team members upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call 757‑357‑1595.