Opener - 1st Shift

Description

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

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a world-class food manufacturer — we’re a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives. For over 60 years, we’ve proudly partnered with the world’s premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry.

Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies, we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace.

When you join Butterball® Farms, you’re joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe that when our people grow, our company grows. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your success — both on and off the job.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development and internal promotion.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture Join a workplace that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal growth, and diversity.
• Shift Premiums Competitive pay with additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Paid Time Off Enjoy paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) with Company Match Plan for your future with our generous retirement savings program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Continue your education with financial support for approved programs.
• Access to The Source Get connected to community resources, support services, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related issues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Review the daily schedule provided by the Processing Team Leader to determine the amount of product needed.
• Use iPad-based software to record and track OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and compliance data.
• Assess the tempering room for any open product remaining from the previous day.
• Determine inventory needs prior to the start of the shift.
• Remove 50 lb. blocks of product from boxes and place them on empty pallets for restacking (preparation for Thrower).
• Wrap and move opened blocks to the designated area in the tempering room, and transport them to grinders as needed for Throwers.
• Stack corrugate from opened blocks on pallets and transport to the compactor near the dock area.
• Maintain cleanliness of the tempering room throughout the shift and at shift end.
• Maintain organized pallet stacks to ensure smooth product flow (dock team will retrieve as needed).
• Stack used boxes on pallets for waste disposal.
• Meet established production rate standards.
• Follow all safety rules and protocols.
• Wear and utilize designated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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).

Requirements

We believe a successful Opener will have the following qualifications:
 

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid Hi-Lo (forklift) driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic math skills (addition and subtraction)
• Strong hand-eye coordination
• Ability to consistently follow processes and standard work instructions
• Effective team player with strong communication skills
• Ability to read and understand written instructions
• Flexibility with work schedule to accommodate high production volumes
• Basic writing ability to complete necessary paperwork
• Ability to safely operate a Hi-Lo and use a manual hand jack
• Willingness to cross-train and assist in other processing areas as needed

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements 

(This role requires the following physical activities)

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 (sedentary)
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs (medium)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs (light)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs (heavy) or more      (very heavy)

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F to occasional freezer exposure as low as -10°F 
•  Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting