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Food Processing Plant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

... processing plant, equipment and other physical assets of the farm. Will be responsible of ... Report any food safety and quality issues to their direct supervisor. * Responsible for having ...

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

New

... processing plant, equipment and other physical assets of the farm. Will be responsible of ... Report any food safety and quality issues to their direct supervisor. * Responsible for having ...

Plant Engineer Location:Council Bluffs, IAPurpose & Scope:JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... (5) years within a food processing industryExcellent written and verbal communication ...

... processing plant, equipment, and other physical assets of the farm. Will be responsible of ... Report any food safety and quality issues to their direct supervisor. * Responsible for having ...

... processing plant, equipment, and other physical assets of the farm. Will be responsible of ... Report any food safety and quality issues to their direct supervisor. * Responsible for having ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Processing Plant information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do food processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food processing plant in Iowa is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food processing plant?

A food processing plant is a facility where raw food materials are transformed into finished products for consumption through various physical and chemical processes. These plants handle tasks such as cleaning, sorting, cooking, packaging, and preserving food items to ensure safety and extend shelf life. Food processing plants are essential for producing a wide range of products including canned goods, frozen foods, dairy items, and baked goods. They follow strict hygiene and safety regulations to maintain food quality and prevent contamination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food processing plant?

Success in a Food Processing Plant requires knowledge of food safety regulations, basic machinery operation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with HACCP protocols, industrial kitchen equipment, and inventory management systems is commonly expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are vital soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient, safe operations in food production settings.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a food processing plant?

Employees in a food processing plant often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict hygiene and safety protocols, working in fast-paced environments, and managing repetitive tasks. Teams must collaborate closely to ensure quality control and meet production targets, which can sometimes require overtime or shift work. Additionally, adapting to new machinery or technologies and staying updated with food safety regulations are important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Food Processing Plant vs Food Production Worker?

AspectFood Processing PlantFood Production Worker
CredentialsMay require safety certifications, food handling licensesTypically no formal certifications required, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentFactories with machinery, cold or hot environmentsProduction lines, manufacturing floors
Industry UsageUsed to describe the facility and overall operationRefers to individual workers on the production line
Search IntentLooking for jobs at food processing plants or facility infoSeeking employment as a worker on the production line

Food Processing Plant refers to the entire facility involved in food manufacturing, while Food Production Worker describes the individual employees working on the production line within such a plant. Both roles are interconnected but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Food Processing Plant jobs in Iowa?

For Food Processing Plant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Processing Plant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Processing Plant jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Food Processing Plant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,089 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Knoxville Plant-Production Professional

Hormel Foods Corporation

Knoxville, IA • On-site

$13.25 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Hormel Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Knoxville plant has openings for Plant Professionals with opportunities for overtime. Successful candidates will work in our food processing production facility located in Knoxville, Iowa, and enjoy competitive wages along with a comprehensive benefits package.  Weekend work is required.  Openings available on days, nights, and overnights.  The Knoxville plant specializes in the production of Dry Sausage items including PILLOW PACK pepperoni.  Incumbents are responsible for learning a wide variety of jobs and duties across our plant such as: machine operating, forklift operating, packaging, boxing, and palletizing product, verifying quality and accuracy of products, all while making people safety and food safety the number one priority.  

Job Responsibilities:

  • Follow all company rules for food safety and employee safety.
  • The ability to read and write to complete job related paperwork.
  • The willingness & ability to drive a forklift consistent with company standards.
  • The ability to use a computer to complete job related tasks.
  • The ability to perform repetitive hand & wrist motion throughout a shift.
  • The ability to lift/push/pull 50+lbs as required throughout the course of a shift.
  • The ability to twist and bend the body as necessary to perform job related tasks.
  • The ability to kneel/squat/climb as necessary to complete job related tasks.
  • The ability to perform grasping & pinching motions to complete job related tasks.

 Working Conditions:

  • Refrigerated environment - temperatures average 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Company Information: Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Knoxville team!  At the Knoxville plant, Employee Safety and Food Safety are our top priorities!  We believe every employee has the responsibility to maintain a safe working environment by closely following our safety policies and actively engaging in our safety culture.  Also, by adhering to the highest food safety standards, our manufacturing facility is able to produce quality, wholesome foods to our consumers. Benefits: Our benefits package includes a comprehensive health insurance plan, prescription drug plan, dental and vision plan, 401(k) with company match, pension plan, employee assistance and wellness plan, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, vacation and holiday pay, profit sharing, and educational assistance. New Employees at our facility are immediately place on a 3 month probationary period.  During this time, employee attendance and performance are closely monitored.  While on probation, management reserves the right to move an employee to a different open position anywhere in our facility to meet the needs of the business. We appreciate our consideration of our company as your next employer and look forward to hearing from you! If you need assistance completing the online application, please visit your nearest Iowa Workforce Development office or contact us at (641)-842-6841.

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  


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