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Plant Helper Jobs in Riley, KS (NOW HIRING)

MeatWorks

Meat Packager - Butcher Shop

Riley, KS · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Help maintain records and track orders * Follow all food safety and sanitation standards * Keep ... Proven experience in operations coordination, plant administration, or similar role * Experience in ...

MeatWorks

Meat Packager - Butcher Shop

Riley, KS

$17 - $25/hr

Help maintain records and track orders * Follow all food safety and sanitation standards * Keep ... Proven experience in operations coordination, plant administration, or similar role * Experience in ...

Martin Marietta

CDL Mechanic/Lube Tech

Chapman, KS · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain plant mobile equipment including CAT, Komatsu & Volvo quarry ... Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people ...

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All JobsPlant Helper JobsPlant Helper Jobs in Riley, KS

Plant Helper information

See Riley, KS salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do plant helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant helper in Riley, KS is $15.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant helper?

Plant Helpers are entry-level workers who assist with basic tasks in manufacturing plants, factories, or industrial settings. Their duties may include cleaning equipment, moving materials, assisting machine operators, and helping maintain a safe and orderly work environment. Plant Helpers play a key role in supporting production teams by performing manual labor and ensuring daily operations run smoothly. The position often requires physical stamina and attention to safety protocols. It can be a good starting point for individuals interested in learning about industrial or manufacturing careers.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a plant helper?

Plant Helpers typically assist with a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of manufacturing or processing facilities. Daily duties may include cleaning and maintaining equipment, moving materials, monitoring production lines, and assisting skilled operators or technicians as needed. They play a critical support role by helping to minimize downtime and maintain safety standards, often working closely with other team members. This hands-on position is a good entry point for those interested in advancing to more specialized roles within the plant.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plant helper?

To thrive as a Plant Helper, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with industrial safety protocols. Experience with hand tools, forklifts, and possibly safety certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills help ensure safe, efficient plant operations and support overall productivity in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

What is the difference between Plant Helper vs Greenhouse Worker?

AspectPlant HelperGreenhouse Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma; may require basic horticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentNurseries, farms, or outdoor planting sitesGreenhouses, indoor plant facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNurseries, landscaping companies, farmsGreenhouse operations, horticulture farms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level plant care rolesMore specialized, indoor plant care roles

Plant Helpers assist with basic plant care tasks in outdoor or nursery settings, while Greenhouse Workers focus on maintaining plants inside greenhouses. Both roles require similar credentials and are used in related industries, but Greenhouse Workers typically work indoors with more specialized tasks.

What cities near Riley, KS are hiring for Plant Helper jobs?

Cities near Riley, KS with the most Plant Helper job openings:

Plant Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Helper job openings in Riley, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,792 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Plant Food Safety & QA Manager

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Junction City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Are you a results-driven Food Safety & Quality Assurance professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and knows how to spot risks before they become problems? At Smithfield Foods, you'll take the lead in ensuring our products-like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous-meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
As Plant FSQA Manager, you'll manage all food safety and quality programs at the facility. You'll lead sanitation checks, enforce USDA and HAACP regulations, track products from start to finish, and implement corrective actions when needed. You'll also oversee the plant's quality systems, ensuring everything we produce is safe, consistent, and customer-ready.
In this role, you'll report to both plant and corporate FSQA leadership-driving continuous improvement, team performance, and regulatory excellence.
Ready to lead with impact? Join Smithfield and help deliver quality that's trusted nationwide.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Verification: You'll oversee all food safety, quality, and regulatory programs to ensure USDA/FDA compliance, accurate documentation, and audit readiness. You'll lead root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and maintain strong relationships with USDA inspectors.
  • Drive Food Safety & Quality Improvement: You'll work closely with FSQA and Operations teams to prevent HACCP, SSOP, and product or process failures. Through continuous improvement initiatives, you'll develop plans, strengthen process controls, and train staff to uphold high standards.
  • Lead Sanitation Programs: You'll design and manage the facility's sanitation program-including audits, microbial testing, and performance tracking. When issues arise, you'll take prompt, data-driven action to ensure cleanliness and compliance.
  • Manage SQF Systems: You'll lead the development, maintenance, and reassessment of SQF Food Safety and Quality Plans. You'll ensure the system stays current, compliant, and well-communicated to all relevant team members.
  • Supervise and Develop Your FSQA Team: You'll manage staffing, schedules, performance reviews, and training for FSQA personnel. In the absence of key team members, you'll ensure all responsibilities are covered through cross-training and effective delegation.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years' relevant experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required.
  • Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
  • Technical Knowledge and Regulatory Compliance: Possesses hands-on experience with microbiological testing of meat and poultry products, along with a solid understanding of foodborne pathogens, microbiological and limited chemistry testing. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements, and familiarity with QMS systems, SAP, and various database and inventory software tools.
  • Communication and Analytical Skills: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to address inquiries from regulatory agencies, customers, and internal stakeholders. Skilled in decision-making, problem-solving, and responding to quality and compliance issues in a timely and effective manner. Maintains a high standard of documentation and compliance.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with professionalism and adaptability.
  • Willingness to travel up to 10% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • USDA/HACCP Certification
  • SQF Certified Expert
  • Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics
  • Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Relocation Package AvailableYes
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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