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Meat Processing Plant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... finest tasting meat. It is part of Perdue Farm, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and ... May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant. * Must wear and use ...

... finest tasting meat. It is part of Perdue Farm, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and ... May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant. * Must wear and use ...

Showing results 21-40

Meat Processing Plant information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$17

$23

How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing plant in Iowa is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat processing plant?

A meat processing plant is a facility where animals are slaughtered, processed, and packaged into meat products for consumer or commercial use. These plants handle various stages of meat preparation, including cutting, deboning, grinding, and packaging. Meat processing plants are regulated by government agencies to ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met. Workers in these plants perform a variety of roles, from machinery operation to quality control. The facilities are essential in bringing processed meat products to grocery stores and food service providers.

What are some typical challenges faced by workers in a meat processing plant, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in a meat processing plant often encounter challenges such as physically demanding tasks, repetitive motions, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. To address these issues, many facilities provide ergonomic equipment, regular safety training, and scheduled breaks to minimize fatigue and prevent injuries. Teamwork and clear communication are also emphasized to ensure efficiency and safety throughout the production process. Supportive supervisors and ongoing training can further help employees adapt and thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a meat processing plant, and why are they important?

To thrive in a meat processing plant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, sanitation protocols, and basic meat cutting or butchery skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized equipment like band saws, grinders, and packaging machinery, as well as knowledge of HACCP or OSHA safety standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and physical stamina are crucial soft skills for working efficiently and safely in a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure product quality, maintain safety standards, and support effective plant operations.

What is the difference between Meat Processing Plant vs Meat Cutter?

AspectMeat Processing PlantMeat Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, food safety certificationsNone typically required, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing lines, cold environmentsButcher shops, processing plants, retail stores
Industry UsageLarge-scale meat production facilitiesMeat preparation and retail
Job FocusSupervising processing, quality controlCutting, trimming, packaging meat products

Meat Processing Plant workers oversee large-scale meat production, focusing on processing and quality control, often in factory settings. Meat Cutters specialize in preparing meat for sale, working directly with cuts and trims. Both roles require knowledge of food safety, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much does a meat processing plant worker make?

A meat processing plant worker typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and specific duties. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall pay.

Is working at a meat processing plant hard?

Working at a meat processing plant can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and handling heavy or sharp equipment. The job often requires adherence to safety protocols and may involve working in cold environments, but it can also offer structured shifts and skill development opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Processing Plant jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Meat Processing Plant jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Meat Processing Plant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Meat Processing Plant job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing Plant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,643 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Utilities B General Supervisor

Seaboard Triumph Foods

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Seaboard Triumph Foods rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

431st of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

SUMMARY: The Utilities General Supervisor position is responsible for managing utilities group including refrigeration, boiler systems, compressed air, and HVAC and Electrical across B Shift. The Utilities General Supervisor will also work closely with the Environmental / PSM Manager to assist in managing the compliance of all federal and state regulations regarding process safety and risk management to ensure the safe and reliable operation of this facilities critical systems. The general supervisor bridges the gaps between shifts and is a back up for the Utilities Mgr. when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.
  • Establish and clearly communicate realistic job requirements for subordinates; provide frequent feedback and review on performance and accurately appraise performance results against communicated expectations and when necessary, take action to resolve performance or work habit deficiencies
  • Will ensure that all utility activities and operations are smoothly conducted and that all plant systems of the facility are appropriately functioning and bridge the gap between shifts.
  • Lead team of supervisors and subordinates and effectively delegate the workflow process.
  • Plan, organize and schedule work across the shift to ensure timely completion of all control room activities.
  • Inspect all utility processes and evaluate the work of subordinates.
  • Organize and manage training activities for all subordinates.
  • Maintain proper shift cycles for the utility team and systems.
  • Coordinate trouble shooting and repair of plant utility processes with other internal departments of the organization.
  • Comply with all plant policies, OSHA & EPA guidelines while conducting utility processes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of industrial refrigeration, boiler systems, air compressors; knowledge of Process Safety Management; knowledge of permit procedures/authorization. Must have the ability to multitask and work across multiple shifts and weekends. Must be able to work with little supervision. The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Preferred Qualifications: RETA CARO Certification; RETA CIRO Certification; Formal Boiler Training; Formal Hazmat Training; Formal Confined Space Training; Sioux City Refrigeration Engineer License; Sioux City First Class Stationary Engineer License.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent qualification from an accredited institution, 3-5 of experience in a meat processing facility or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write reports and business correspondence; ability to effectively manage time and meet all specified deadlines.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as process safety management documents, standard operating procedures, maintenance task procedures, equipment manuals, and plant p&id's.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and or schedule form.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to use computers and all standard programs used by the industry and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility. The employee is required to sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; speak; hear taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to cold/hot and/or humid conditions. During construction phase, will be exposed to all outdoor elements and dust and odors typically associated with building construction. Will frequently work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, cold/hot temperature and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The work environment includes climate extremes found in all areas of plant operations.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position will typically work assigned hours either a 5/2, 6/1 or a 4/3 work schedule with a potential end of week. Schedule may be changed (increased or decreased) by management as required.
Hours of Work: Typically, will work up to 12 hours a day as scheduled by management.
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF's MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remembering that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment. Must believe and fully engage in STF's VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF's VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-
SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace accidents.
QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. Must take pride in the products we produce and serve.
DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourage a sense of belonging.
COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland.
SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.

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