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Dark Meat Debone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dark Meat Debone/Over Crew- Day Shift

Kelso, WA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Foster Farms At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of ...

Dark Meat Debone/Over Crew- Day Shift

Kelso, WA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description About Foster Farms At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the ...

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Dark Meat Debone information

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$12

$14

$18

How much do dark meat debone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for dark meat debone in the United States is $14.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dark meat debone?

A Dark Meat Debone worker is responsible for removing bones from dark meat portions of poultry, such as thighs and drumsticks, in a processing plant. This role requires skill and precision to ensure meat is separated efficiently while minimizing waste. Workers use specialized knives and tools to debone meat safely and quickly, often as part of an assembly line. Attention to hygiene and safety standards is critical in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dark meat debone worker?

To thrive as a Dark Meat Debone worker, you need manual dexterity, attention to detail, and experience or training in meat processing and food safety standards. Familiarity with specialized knives, deboning tools, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong work ethic, stamina, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure product quality, worker safety, and productivity in poultry or meat processing operations.

What is the difference between Dark Meat Debone vs Light Meat Debone?

AspectDark Meat DeboneLight Meat Debone
CertificationsFood safety certification, meat processing trainingFood safety certification, meat processing training
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesMeat processing plants, slaughterhouses
Industry UsageMeat processing, poultry industryMeat processing, poultry industry

Dark Meat Debone and Light Meat Debone roles are similar in certifications and work environment, focusing on meat processing in poultry plants. The main difference lies in the type of meat processed: dark meat (such as thighs) versus light meat (such as breasts). Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but they specialize in different parts of the bird.

What are some common challenges faced by dark meat debone workers, and how can they be addressed?

Dark Meat Debone workers often encounter challenges such as maintaining speed and accuracy while handling slippery poultry parts and working with sharp tools. Repetitive motions can also lead to fatigue or strain if proper ergonomics are not practiced. To address these issues, most facilities provide thorough safety training, encourage regular stretching, and rotate tasks when possible. Adhering to safety protocols and staying attentive can help workers minimize risks and maintain productivity.
More about Dark Meat Debone jobs
Infographic showing various Dark Meat Debone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,562 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Dark Meat Debone/Over Crew- Day Shift

Foster Farms

Kelso, WA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

About Foster Farms
At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.
Pay rate starts at $19.00 with shift premiums of $0.50 for hours worked 4pm-midnight and $1.00 for hours worked midnight-8am.
Longevity premium of $0.25 after one year of service. Attendance Premium of $0.25.
We offer our Team Members the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents.
  • Voluntary benefits such as Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Group Accident Coverage, Group Critical Illness Coverage, Individual Short-Term Disability Insurance, and Whole Life Insurance.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Daycare FSA).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • College tuition reimbursement.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with a Company-contribution of up to 4%.
  • Vacation, sick, holiday, funeral, and jury duty pay.

Job Duties:
  • Use small hand-held tools (i.e., knives, scissors) to cut chicken into segments for product run.
  • Pack product into foam trays and/or plastic bags.
  • Place labels and perform arrangement on trays filled with chicken parts.
  • Repetitive grasping, pushing, and pulling motions while packing, cutting, and grading product.
  • Rotate through various positions on production areas throughout the shift.
  • Place empty trays and pads on the line.
  • Visually inspect and grade chicken parts to determine grade for production lines.
  • Work regularly in a cold or hot environment depending on designated work area.
  • Communicate with Supervision, Lead personnel, and co-workers for assistance regarding assigned task(s), rotation, and production issues.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Report regularly and on time to work as well as work all required hours, including overtime and weekends as scheduled.
  • Understand and follow established rules and procedures as well as accept constructive feedback.
  • Work safely and set an example of good working safe habits.
  • Follow established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and all Food Safety procedures.
  • Work effectively with small, hand-held tools (i.e. knives, scissors).
  • Bend, climb, stoop, and stand as necessary depending on assigned task(s).
  • Repetitive grasping, cutting, reaching, lifting (between 3 - 5 lbs.)
  • Repetitive pushing, pulling, and lifting between 10 - 80 lbs.
  • Stand on concrete floor, grating, or metal stand for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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