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Food Production Associate Jobs in Foothill Ranch, CA

Production Associate

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Food Safety Compliance: Adhere to all food safety and hygiene regulations, including proper handling of raw materials and cooked products. * Equipment Maintenance : Clean and maintain kitchen ...

Food Safety Compliance: Adhere to all food safety and hygiene regulations, including proper handling of raw materials and cooked products. * Equipment Maintenance : Clean and maintain kitchen ...

JOB SUMMARYThe Production Associate works within one or more manufacturing departments to prepare ... This is a great opportunity to join our team and help change the food industry landscape by ...

Production Associate Top Reasons to Apply! * Great starting pay! $23.72/ hour. * Shift Varies: must ... Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and Superior quality standards. What we need ...

Production Associate Top Reasons to Apply! * Great starting pay! $23.72/ hour. * Shift Varies: must ... Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and Superior quality standards. What we need ...

Production Associate Top Reasons to Apply!Great starting pay! $23.72/ hour.Shift Varies: must be ... Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and Superior quality standards.What we need ...

Production Associate Top Reasons to Apply! * Great starting pay! $23.72/ hour. * Shift Varies: must ... Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and Superior quality standards. What we need ...

Production Line

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18.40/hr

Join our dynamic team as a Cold Storage Production Associate at our state-of-the-art facility ... Food and Beverage Manufacturing * cold storage * packing * production

Production Line

Ontario, CA

$16.90 - $18.40/hr

Join our dynamic team as a Cold Storage Production Associate at our state-of-the-art facility ... Food and Beverage Manufacturing * cold storage * packing * production ID:qnkTyx

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Food Production Associate information

See Foothill Ranch, CA salary details

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How much do food production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production associate in Foothill Ranch, CA is $15.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Production Associates?

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, and why are they important?

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 cities near Foothill Ranch, CA are hiring for Food Production Associate jobs? Cities near Foothill Ranch, CA with the most Food Production Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Production Associate job openings in Foothill Ranch, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,023 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Production Associate

Production Associate

Just Food For Dogs

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


JustFoodForDogs rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Title: Production Associate

Reporting To: General Manager

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Company: JustFoodForDogs LLC

Job Type: Part-time, Exempt

About JustFoodForDogs:

At JustFoodForDogs, we’re dedicated to transforming the lives of dogs through high-quality, nutritious food. Our mission is to provide pets with the best possible diet, crafted from fresh, whole ingredients. We're passionate about transparency, quality, and making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Production Associate to join our team at JustFoodForDogs, a leading pet food company committed to producing high-quality, nutritious meals for pets. The Production Associate will be responsible for preparing and cooking pet food recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to strict health and safety standards. This is an ideal position for someone passionate about animal health and food production.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ingredient Preparation: Weigh, measure, and prepare raw ingredients according to specific recipes for various pet food products.
  • Cooking, Mixing, & Packing: Operate kitchen equipment to cook, mix, and package pet food batches, ensuring consistency and quality in each product.
  • Recipe Adherence: Follow precise recipes and production guidelines to create nutritionally balanced meals for pets.
  • Food Safety Compliance: Adhere to all food safety and hygiene regulations, including proper handling of raw materials and cooked products.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain kitchen equipment and workspaces to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient production environment.
  • Batch Documentation: Accurately record batch information and ingredient usage for quality control and traceability purposes.
  • Stock Management: Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing ingredients and supplies, ensuring inventory is rotated properly.
  • Health & Safety: Follow strict sanitation guidelines, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to all company and legal safety protocols.

Qualifications:

  • Experience: Previous experience in food preparation, commercial kitchens, or food production is preferred, but not required.
  • Physical Ability: Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy, cleanliness, and quality in following recipes and food production standards.
  • Communication: Basic communication skills to work effectively with kitchen staff and management.
  • Teamwork: A positive attitude and ability to collaborate effectively with the kitchen and production teams.
  • Time Management: Punctuality and reliability in meeting assigned shift schedules.
  • Health & Hygiene Standards: Knowledge or willingness to learn about food safety standards related to pet food production.
  • Shift Flexibility: Willingness to work early mornings, nights, weekends, or overtime as needed based on production demands.
  • Dependability: Demonstrates strong commitment to attendance and punctuality by consistently arriving on time, maintaining reliability, being flexible with scheduling, and communicating proactively about any conflicts or emergencies.

Disclaimer: Please note that this position involves working with both raw and cooked ingredients such as poultry, fish, peanuts, and other allergens. If you have food-related allergies or require reasonable accommodations, please contact our Human Resources department.

Tenets of the Pack (Company Values)

Live Our Mission – We believe this is more than a job. It’s a cause.

Be a Team Player – We put company goals and success first.

Maintain a Positive Attitude – We bring energy, enthusiasm, and drive to everything we do.

Deliver Results – We play to win.


JUSTFOODFORDOGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JUSTFOODFORDOGS does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, unemployment status or any other legally protected basis, and to the extent permitted by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.


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