Operations Associate Program Trainee

Your Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team in a production role that plays a critical part in maintaining food safety, product quality, and employee training. This position is designed for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, values precision, and is committed to continuous learning and development. The role involves hands-on training in critical production tasks, supporting new hire and employee skill development, and ensuring compliance with company policies, USDA regulations, and food safety standards and sanitation of the production floor.

About Us

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter. 

Responsibilities

• Participate in all required certification programs for each phase of the production process.
• Develop proficiency in critical production positions using tools such as wizard knives, straight knives, and draw knives.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with all levels of management across the organization.
• Ensure all new hires and current employees are properly trained and qualified for their assigned positions.
• Support and participate in the harvest inspection program.
• Maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with USDA regulations, company FSQA policies, and HACCP requirements.
• Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs) to protect food safety and product quality.
• Demonstrate knowledge of company policies, SOPs, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), training requirements, and personal protective equipment.
• Perform thorough pre-cleaning, sanitation, safety, and equipment procedures (debris removal, rinsing, foaming, sanitizing, chemical handling, equipment care, GMP/SOP/SSOP compliance, paperwork, and supervisor-assigned tasks).

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

Qualifications

Required:

• 6-12 months’ experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production-based role.
• Must be able to stand extended periods, typically 9-10 hours a day.
• Must be able to work Second shift (B shift).

Preferred:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Prior experience in meat science, food processing, food safety, or another related field.
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Work Environment

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around the facility. 
• The employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is dependent on which environment you are in
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested. 

Why Seaboard Foods?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site:

https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.