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Packing Meat Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

May have to shave or wash animal meat before packing.Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging.Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a supervisor if you recognize a hazard. Other duties as ...

Charcuterie Artisans

Production Associate

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

The Production Associate plays a key role in the safe production and packaging of meat products by ... packing specifications are met. • Mark and label containers or products using marking tools. • ...

Charcuterie Artisans

Production Associate

Norwalk, IA

$17.50/hr

The Production Associate plays a key role in the safe production and packaging of meat products by ... Examine and inspect containers, materials, and products to ensure that packing specifications are ...

Hormel Foods

Burke - Storeroom Clerk 2nd shift

Nevada, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.75/hr

Matches packing list information to actual packed merchandise and verifies against physical count ... cooked meats. Located in Nevada, Iowa, Burke is a focused team of professionals that combines ...

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 2nd Shift

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$20.40/hr

What You'll DoGeneral Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 3rd Shift

Sioux Center, IA

$20.40/hr

What You'll Do General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 3rd Shift

Sioux Center, IA

$20.40/hr

What You'll DoGeneral Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 2nd Shift

Sioux Center, IA

$20.85/hr

What You'll Do General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 2nd Shift

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$20.85/hr

What You'll Do General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

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All JobsPacking Meat JobsPacking Meat Jobs in Iowa

Packing Meat information

What does a meat packer do?

A packing meat worker is responsible for preparing, packaging, and labeling meat products for distribution and sale. Their duties often include inspecting meat for quality, operating machinery to cut or wrap meat, and maintaining hygiene and safety standards. They may also be involved in weighing and sorting different cuts of meat, ensuring products meet company and regulatory requirements, and cleaning work areas to prevent contamination. This role is crucial in the food supply chain to ensure that meat products are safely and efficiently delivered to consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat packer?

To thrive as a Meat Packer, you need attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of food safety practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, packaging machinery, and basic inventory systems is typical for this role. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow safety protocols are important soft skills. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

Is meat packing a hard job?

Meat packing jobs can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and working in cold environments. Workers often need to use safety equipment and follow strict hygiene protocols, which can add to the job's difficulty.

What is the difference between Packing Meat vs Butcher?

AspectPacking MeatButcher
CredentialsMinimal; often requires food safety trainingFood safety certification, knife skills training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, packaging linesButcher shops, meat departments in stores
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, packagingMeat cutting, retail meat sales
Job FocusPreparing meat for packaging and distributionCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale

While Packing Meat involves preparing meat products for distribution through packaging, Butchers focus on cutting, trimming, and preparing meat for retail sale. Both roles require knowledge of food safety, but butchers typically need more specialized knife skills and certifications. Packing Meat is more about processing and packaging, whereas butchers work directly with customers and meat preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by meat packers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Meat packers often face challenges such as working in cold environments, handling sharp tools, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Staying comfortable in refrigerated areas requires wearing appropriate protective clothing and taking regular breaks. Additionally, attention to detail and following safety protocols are crucial to avoid injuries and ensure product quality. Teamwork and communication with colleagues and supervisors also help in managing workload efficiently and addressing issues promptly.

How much do packing meat make?

The average hourly wage for meat packers is around $13 to $16, with annual salaries typically ranging from $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the employer, and some positions may offer overtime or shift differentials.
What are popular job titles related to Packing Meat jobs in Iowa? For Packing Meat jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packing Meat jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Packing Meat jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Packing Meat jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Packing Meat job openings:
Packing Meat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packing Meat job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Meat Packing Operator

Apex Operations Management LLC

Lamoni, IA

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Meat Packing Operator
Job Title: Meat Packing Operator
Pay Range: $16-18.00/Hour; full-time position.
Education Status Required: None
Experience Level: No experience required. Ability dealing with processing animals (Can handle blood, fat, raw meat etc.) in meat packing is preferred.
Description:
If you are looking to join a fast growing direct-to-consumer meat brand and help have a hand in creating some of the best all-around meat products on the market – come join us at McBee Meat Company! We create high-quality meat products in our facility located in Lamoni, Iowa. We offer competitive pay and great benefits! This facility operates five days a week. We are scaling this company quickly and will be increasing output to match demand as we go along.
Applicants will be considered for general labor on the shift we will be making, and starting out, must be able to be cross trained across several departments including: Sanitation, RTE (packaging) and overall record keeping.
A typical day in this position will include:
  • Sterilize the facility in the morning at the start of shift.
  • Place meat into packaging.
  • Weigh packaged meat.
  • Label packaged meat.
  • Sanitize facility at end of production day.
  • Keep records and follow along with food safety (HACCP) plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Positions may be responsible for running machinery, packing, sanitizing, receiving, or shipping of products, making boxes and good housekeeping practices.
  • Must be willing to repeatedly push, pull, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to grip with hands.
  • Must be able to properly complete the paperwork associated with the position(s) assigned (including record keeping and inventory tracking).
  • Commit to food safety and employee safety plans.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Facility is located in Lamoni, Iowa.
  • Must be willing to do all necessary processes in meat processing.
  • Must be willing to work in an environment with the sight and smell of meat products or any other product present when processing meat such as blood, fat, bone, spices.
  • Must be able to learn some technology (simple touch screen monitors)
  • Perform a variety of specialized tasks in a warm, hot, humid, or wet environment.
  • Properly use tools such as knives, hooks, or other specialized equipment.
  • Perform physical tasks which require upper body strength and constant repetitive movements.
  • Stand on hard surfaces the entire shift; use of stairs and personal protection equipment (PPE) is required in all areas of the facility.
  • Compliance with all food safety policies and regulations.
  • Adhere to all safety and housekeeping processes and procedures to ensure safety for our employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Identify and communicate workplace hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions.
  • Work and collaborate with a diverse work population.
NOTE: this description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization; these duties are considered marginal.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of work temperatures warm, hot, humid, cold, wet or with slippery surfaces at varied heights in and around moving equipment and parts.
  • Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job.
  • Must be able to work overtime as required. Start times and hours vary based on production needs.
  • Must be able to successfully complete training:
  • Safety.
  • Safe Quality Food (SQF).
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Food Defense.
WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
SALARY $16-18.00/hour DOE

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