1

Food Production Associate Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Staff Management | SMX is immediately hiring Production Associates at the Mars Petcare factory in ... Associates will be required to comply with all Food Manufacturing GMP policies and procedures.

New

Food Production - 1st Shift

Ozark, AR · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Mulberry, AR · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Cecil, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Lamar, AR · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Ozark, AR

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Altus, AR

$11.25 - $15.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Ratcliff, AR

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. * Supports all Food Safety initiatives. * Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Altus, AR

$11.25 - $15.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Cecil, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Ratcliff, AR · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Lamar, AR

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Clarksville, AR

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Coal Hill, AR

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. * Supports all Food Safety initiatives. * Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Clarksville, AR

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Alix, AR

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Lamar, AR · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Ratcliff, AR · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Clarksville, AR · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

Food Production - 1st Shift

Scranton, AR

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

... product safety with the facility. • Supports all Food Safety initiatives. • Some tasks are ... associate may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands, arms, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Production Associate information

See Arkansas salary details

$7

$12

$16

How much do food production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production associate in Arkansas is $12.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.53 and $14.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food production associate?

Food Production Associates are workers who assist in the preparation, packaging, and quality control of food products in manufacturing or processing facilities. Their responsibilities often include operating machinery, following recipes or production guidelines, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards, and monitoring products for quality. They play a key role in ensuring that food items are produced efficiently and meet health and safety regulations before reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food production associate?

To thrive as a Food Production Associate, you need knowledge of food safety standards, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food processing equipment, HACCP protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production that meets regulatory and company standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food production associates, and how can they be managed?

Food Production Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, meeting high production quotas, and adapting to fast-paced work environments. Successfully managing these challenges involves following proper safety protocols, staying organized, and collaborating effectively with team members. Open communication with supervisors and ongoing training also help associates stay updated on best practices and regulations, ensuring a smooth workflow and product quality.

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

AspectFood Production AssociateFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires food safety training
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, food manufacturing plantsFood processing facilities, manufacturing plants, packaging lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, processing plantsFood processing companies, packaging facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Food Production Associate and a Food Processing Worker lies in their specific roles within food manufacturing. Food Production Associates typically focus on assembling, packaging, and quality checks on production lines, while Food Processing Workers may be involved in more specialized processing tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, and they are often used interchangeably in the industry. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Production jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Food Production jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Food Production Associate jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Food Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Production Associate job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,433 per year, or $12.7 per hour.

Food Production Associate

Staff Management | SMX

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Staff Management | SMX is immediately hiring Production Associates at the Mars Petcare factory in Ft. Smith, AR! Associates receive pay increases after 90 days and 1 year, per eligibility requirements.


Available Shifts:

  • 1st Shift: 6:00 am - 2:30 pm $14/hr
  • 2nd Shift: 2:30 pm - 11 pm $15/hr
  • 3rd Shift: 10:30 pm - 7:00 am $14.50/hr
  • Day Shift (12-hour shift): 6:00 am - 6:30 pm $14/hr
  • Night Shift (12-hour shift): 6:00 pm - 6:30 am $14.50/hr


Perks & Benefits

  • Casual Dress Code
  • Climate Controlled Environment
  • Modern, high tech Environment
  • Other on the spot perks
  • Paid Training
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options
  • Medical / Dental Insurance
  • STD /LTD
  • Life Insurance
  • Referral Bonus (Restrictions Apply)
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • $14.00 - $15.00 /Hour
  • Bonus is per eligibility requirements


Employment Type & Shifts

  • Full Time
  • Long Term
  • All Shifts


Job Responsibilities

  • Picking, packing, and sorting bags of product into cases while ensuring correct count and configuration.
  • Palletize cases and prepare for shipment.
  • Ensure product quality standards for all aspects of assigned job.
  • Maintain sanitation; keep the work area clean.
  • Follow written standardized manufacturing operating procedures or work instructions.
  • Pick and pack product according to written standards.
  • Perform routine quality inspections.
  • Have the ability to lift 20-55 lbs. as needed.
  • Maintain site 5-S, or, if production is down, adhere to the cleaning policy.
  • Manufacturing associates must pass basic math and reading tests.
  • If hired, associates must wear company-issued uniforms and slip-resistant steel-toe shoes.
  • Associates will be required to comply with all Food Manufacturing GMP policies and procedures.
  • This is a non-tobacco facility; no tobacco is allowed on the factory premises.
  • Mandatory steel-toe shoes


Associate Requirements

  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Background Check
  • Able to Lift 50 pounds
  • Drug Test
  • Stand for Shift Duration
  • Must be at least 18 years old


The hourly rate for this position is anticipated between $14.00 - $15.00 per hour. This range is a good-faith estimate, based on the shift you work and other considerations permitted by law. An employee's pay history will not be a contributing factor where prohibited by local law. In addition to monetary compensation, we offer medical, dental, vision, life, and more. More details about benefits can be found at https://flimp.live/trueblueassociates#home.


Staff Management | SMX is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, age, gender identification, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable law. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. TrueBlue, Inc. and its brands will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.


0722_722S

Company Description

You deserve a job you can feel good about.

At Staff Management | SMX, we strengthen communities by creating opportunities that put people to work. As partners in our clients' distribution, fulfillment and manufacturing operations, we help place associates onsite along with a full support team.

Whether you’re an associate working on site, a field support team member or a corporate professional, you’ll be part of something important here at Staff Management | SMX. We take pride in what we do because what we do matters - to our families, our communities and each other.

We offer positions in the US and Canada and our recruiters are always near to help you. Visit our careers page to find the right opportunity for you!