POSITION: Production Operator

Hempler’s Foods Group – Join Our Growing Team!!

2nd Shift Smokehouse Operator
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.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: We are seeking experienced production operators, as well as candidates with transferable skills! Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

SCHEDULE: 2nd Shift 2:00pm – 10:30pm, Times may vary based on company’s needs.

WAGE: $21.00 per hour – $23.00 per hour and an additional $1.00 per hour for shift differential, subject to all required taxes and withholding.

What You’ll Do

As an Operator, you’ll ensure our premium meat products are processed with accuracy, consistency, and care. Responsibilities include:

• Setting up and operating smokehouse equipment per SOPs and production schedules
• Monitoring temperatures, humidity, valves, and smoke density for safe, optimal smoking conditions
• Loading and spacing product racks for proper airflow and even smoking
• Inspecting products throughout the process to ensure quality and food safety
• Recording batch data—times, temperatures, humidity levels, and more
• Troubleshooting and adjusting equipment to maintain quality standards
• Performing basic maintenance checks and reporting mechanical concerns
• Supporting other production needs as assigned

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in meat processing, manufacturing, or smokehouse/cooking equipment preferred
• Familiarity with HACCP and food safety regulations is a strong plus
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. – no current or future sponsorship available.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work environment is that of a processing environment. This employee regularly works with hazardous machinery, materials, chemicals, wet floors and with wet equipment. This employee regularly works around high voltage, hot water, and steam

• Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Physical work includes climbing stairs, pulling hoses, etc.
• Willing to work in a various-temperature environment
• Ability to handle heavy objects safely and with proper body mechanics. Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and routinely maneuver objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently talk, hear, and smell
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus

Duties and responsibilities described are not comprehensive and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessary. Roles and responsibilities typically evolve over time, reflecting the growth and maturity of the business.

ABOUT HEMPLER’S: We offer a creative environment filled with other talented people. We are committed to rewarding our teammates for their hard work, enthusiasm, and professional excellence. Company perks include:

BENEFITS: Hempler’s full‑time employees enjoy an excellent benefits package, including:

• Employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Generous employer contribution for dependent medical coverage
• Voluntary life insurance & FSA
• 401(k) with company match
• 9 paid holidays + generous PTO
• Wellness plan
• Employee discount program

Grow Your Career with Hempler’s Foods Group

If you’re dependable, motivated, and ready to join a team-oriented environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start building your future with us!

TO APPLY: Hempler’s Food Group is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Hempler’s Food Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veterans’ status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact us at 1-866-477-4144.