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Poultry Processing Plant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Farms

SPC Checker

Petaluma, CA

$24/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

Perdue Farms

SPC Checker

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

Perdue Farms

SPC Checker

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

Foster Farms

Plant Manager

Porterville, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

... Plant, including budgeting, production, distribution, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance ... the food processing industry, preferably in the poultry business. Demonstrated financial ...

Foster Farms

Plant Manager

Porterville, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

... Plant, including budgeting, production, distribution, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance ... food processing industry, preferably in the poultry business. * Demonstrated financial ...

Perdue Farms

Dock Worker

Petaluma, CA

$24.94/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

Perdue Farms

Dock Worker

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$24.94/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

Perdue Farms

Dock Worker

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$24.94/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors When in a plant environment: * Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which ...

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All JobsPoultry Processing Plant JobsPoultry Processing Plant Jobs in California

Poultry Processing Plant information

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$10

$17

$26

How much do poultry processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry processing plant in California is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a poultry processing plant?

A poultry processing plant is a facility where chickens, turkeys, or other birds are slaughtered and prepared for human consumption. The process typically involves receiving live birds, slaughtering them humanely, defeathering, eviscerating, washing, chilling, and packaging the meat for distribution. These plants must adhere to strict health, safety, and hygiene regulations to ensure the products are safe to eat. Workers in poultry processing plants perform various tasks such as operating machinery, inspecting meat, packaging, and maintaining sanitary conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a poultry processing plant?

To thrive in a poultry processing plant, you need basic knowledge of food safety, physical stamina, and attention to detail, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sanitation protocols, conveyor systems, and sometimes certification in food handling or HACCP is typically required. Teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are essential soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure safe, efficient production while maintaining product quality and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by employees in a poultry processing plant, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in poultry processing plants often encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and working in cold environments. Adapting to fast-paced production lines can be physically demanding, but comprehensive training and proper safety equipment help workers manage these conditions. Teamwork is crucial, as employees frequently collaborate with others to ensure efficiency and food safety. Employers often provide regular breaks, ergonomic tools, and opportunities for skill development to support their staff and foster a safe, productive environment.

What is the difference between Poultry Processing Plant vs Poultry Line Worker?

AspectPoultry Processing PlantPoultry Line Worker
Primary RoleOversees entire processing operations, quality control, and safety protocolsPerforms specific tasks on the processing line, such as cutting, deboning, or packaging
CredentialsMay require certifications in food safety and plant operationsTypically requires on-the-job training, minimal formal certifications
Work EnvironmentLarge processing facility, often noisy and coldOn the processing line, standing for long periods, similar environment
Industry UsageManagement and supervisory roles in poultry plantsFrontline production roles within poultry processing plants

In summary, a Poultry Processing Plant encompasses the entire operation, including management and quality control, while a Poultry Line Worker focuses on specific tasks within the processing line. Both roles are essential in poultry production but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Poultry Processing Plant jobs in California?

For Poultry Processing Plant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Poultry Processing Plant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Poultry Processing Plant jobs in California are:

Poultry Processing Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Processing Plant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,438 per year, or $18 per hour.

Operations Excellence Engineer I

Foster Farms

Livingston, CA • On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 444 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Pay Range: $96,100 - $120,120 per year
The Operational Excellence Engineer I supports operational excellence engineering initiatives and continuous improvement across poultry processing operations. Reporting to the Complex Manager, this engineering role partners with live production, processing operations, maintenance, quality assurance, food safety, environmental, animal welfare and safety teams to identify, analyze, and implement data-driven improvements to enhance throughput, yield, cost control, compliance, and overall operational performance.
This industrial engineering position applies Lean, Six Sigma, and audit-based methodologies to strengthen executional discipline, standardize processes, reduce variability, and ensure compliance with regulatory, food safety, animal welfare, and internal operating standards. The OE Engineer plays a key role in supporting plant strategy by improving foundational processes, driving operational efficiencies, and delivering measurable value to internal and external customers.
Essential Functions:
  • Collect and analyze operational, yield, labor, downtime, and quality data to assess current-state performance and identify process improvement opportunities across poultry processing operations.
  • Conduct analysis and process mapping, time studies, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone) to identify bottlenecks and sources of variability.
  • Collaborate on and design Lean and continuous improvement initiatives, including waste reduction, line efficiency, yield improvement, labor optimization, and cost reduction.
  • Develop internal audits, operational assessments, and compliance reviews related to food safety, quality, animal welfare, safety, and operational standards.
  • Design, coordinate and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and ensure sustained compliance.
  • Drive process, equipment, and work-instruction standardization across departments and facilities to improve consistency and executional discipline.
  • Collaborate on and design improvement projects end-to-end, including scoping, planning, testing, implementation, training, and post-implementation validation.
  • Develop and enhance project documentation, including project plans, timelines, SOPs, workflow maps, standard work, transition plans, and hand-off documentation.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across processing, live operations, maintenance, engineering, QA, and safety teams with competing priorities.
  • Collect, validate, and analyze performance metrics; develop dashboards and reports to track KPIs such as yield, efficiency, labor, safety, quality, and downtime.
  • Plan implementation and optimization of operational systems, ensuring data integrity and effective reporting.
  • Identify and implement initiatives that improve food safety, employee safety, animal welfare outcomes, and reduce operational risk.
  • Analyze and develop solutions relating to sustainability of improvements through audits, performance reviews, and management routines.
  • Serve as an active member of the organization's cross-functional Operational Excellence team.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in poultry, meat processing, food manufacturing, high-volume labor-intensive operations or a related operations environment.
  • Strong data analysis, database management, and business operations experience.
  • Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies; Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) preferred.
  • Experience supporting or participating in internal audits, operational assessments, or compliance programs.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Excel skills preferred.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Excellent facilitation, training, and communication skills with an end-user and operations-focused mindset.
  • Proven ability to identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and drive sustainable results.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, perspectives, and backgrounds in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Ability to build strong relationships and influence change across all levels of the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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