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Entry Level Food Industry Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Support Operator

Rosedale, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support Operator The Support Operator is an entry level position with lots of immediate growth ... The focus of this position is the packaging of completed film for the food industry.

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Food Industry information

See Indiana salary details

$23.8K

$45.5K

$65.2K

How much do entry level food industry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level food industry in Indiana is $45,514.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level food industry position?

To succeed in an Entry Level Food Industry role, candidates typically need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety protocols, sanitation procedures, or possession of a food handler's certification is often preferred. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help individuals excel in this fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. These skills are crucial to maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and contributing positively to team goals.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available for entry level food industry employees?

Entry-level food industry positions offer various pathways for career growth, including promotions to supervisory roles, specialization in areas like food safety or quality assurance, or movement into training and management positions. Many companies provide on-the-job training and mentorship programs to help employees develop new skills and prepare for advancement. By demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and initiative, entry-level workers can quickly gain experience and rise within the organization. Additionally, exposure to different departments—such as production, packaging, or logistics—can help employees discover areas of long-term interest and set a clear career trajectory within the industry.

What is an entry level food industry job?

An entry-level food industry job is a starting position in food production, service, or management, requiring little to no prior experience. These roles include positions like food prep worker, server, dishwasher, or quality control assistant. They provide hands-on experience, training, and opportunities to advance within the industry. Many employers offer on-the-job training, making it a great way to gain skills in food handling, safety, and customer service.

How to start a career in the food industry?

Starting a career in the food industry often involves gaining basic food safety knowledge, which can be achieved through certifications like ServSafe. Entry-level roles such as food service worker or cashier typically require minimal experience and offer on-the-job training, making them accessible starting points for new job seekers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Industry jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Food Industry jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Industry job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,514 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Food Product Development Scientist

United Petfood Producers USA Inc.

Mishawaka, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Entry-Level Nutritionist

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Department: Procurement

Reports to: Quality Manager

Job Type: Full-time

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Job Summary:

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Entry-Level Nutritionist to join our team. This individual will support the development and implementation of nutrition programs and strategies, with a focus on optimizing the health and performance of pets. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in the feed industry and possess a solid foundation in nutritional science.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Nutritional Analysis: Assist in analyzing and evaluating the nutritional content of feed ingredients and formulations to ensure they meet the required standards.
  • Product Development: Support the development of new pet food products and formulations, ensuring they are nutritionally balanced and meet market demands as well as AAFCO regulations.
  • Research and Data Collection: Conduct research on nutritional trends, new ingredients, and innovations in the pet food industry. Collect and analyze data to support nutrition projects.
  • Quality Control: Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of pet food quality to ensure compliance with nutritional standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Technical Support: Provide technical support to sales and marketing teams by preparing nutritional information and answering customer queries.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of nutritional data, formulations, and research findings. Prepare reports and presentations as required.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including production, and quality assurance, to support the implementation of nutrition programs and initiatives.
  • Field Support: Participate in field visits and trials to monitor the performance of pet food products and gather feedback from customers and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field.
  • Basic understanding of animal nutrition principles and feed formulation.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience or internship in the feed or pet food industry.
  • Familiarity with pet food formulation software.
  • Knowledge of pet food manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements related to animal feed.
  • Strong interest in ongoing learning and professional development in the field of animal nutrition.

Working Conditions:

  • Full-time position with occasional travel to production facilities, research sites, and customer locations.
  • Work primarily in an office setting with some fieldwork and laboratory activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.