Now Hiring
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 withholdings, 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 and Certification
· Complete written or verbal assessments on safety, quality control, and compliance procedures.
· Demonstrate knowledge of smokehouse operations, SOPs, and workplace safety standards.
· Receive performance feedback from mentors and management.
· Show leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities during training.
· Successfully complete training to qualify for Lead Smokehouse Operator certification (required).
· Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· High school diploma or equivalent
· Previous experience in a meat processing or manufacturing environment, particularly with smokehouse or cooking equipment, is preferred (6 months minimum).
· Familiarity with food safety regulations and procedures, including HACCP, is highly desirable.
· Obtain official certification as a Smokehouse Operator Lead (in-house certification).
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Ability to lift and push heavy items (up to 60 lbs.) and work on your feet for extended periods.
· Comfortable working in cold or hot environments, as well as handling meat products.
· Perform repetitive tasks.
· 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.
This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude any other reasonably related duties as assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
ABOUT HEMPLER: 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:
· Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage.
· Annual bonus
· 10 Paid holidays, generous paid time off.
· 401K
· Life Insurance
· Wellness Plan
· Employee Discount
TO APPLY: Hempler’s Food Group is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. 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.
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
