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Food Production Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Production Mentor

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and ...

Food Service Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintains sanitary and organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate PRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate PRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate PRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate PRN

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintainssanitaryand organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

Food Service Associate PRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Hot and cold food production for retail services. Maintains sanitary and organized environment. Practices and abides by food codes and applicable regulatory and accrediting agency requirements to ...

They oversee food production meets budgetary requirements as well as meets health, sanitation and ... Associate or Bachelor degree in culinary arts, foodservice management or dietetics. Experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Production Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do food production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production associate in Iowa is $14.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $16.25 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 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 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 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Food Production jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Production Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Production Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Production Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,025 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Production Mentor

Perdue Farms

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we?re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.SummaryJoin us as a Production Mentor and play a key role in developing the next generation of talent on our production floor! In this impactful role, you?ll guide new hires through their ramp-in journey, ensuring they receive the hands-on training, rotation, and support needed to thrive. You?ll champion safety, ergonomics, and company policies while helping associates build strong work habits from day one. Partnering closely with supervisors, you?ll contribute to meaningful goals in safety, retention, and productivity, making you an essential part of a high-performing, people-first operation.Principal Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesWork at various stations along the production line processing pork food products.Adhere to all safety requirements including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters.Participate in new hire orientation.Assist with retention and recognition.Maintain a clean and safe working environment.Participate in Company and department safety programs.Preferred Education and ExperienceHigh School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.Physical Requirements and Environmental FactorsWhen in a plant environment:Ability to tolerate exposure to wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.Ability to stand for an extended period and perform repetitive tasks.Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs by reaching, bending, and pushing boxes.Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection as required.May work in an environment with varying temperatures between 28 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.May handle products varying in temperatures between 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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