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Production Associate Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Simos

Production Associate

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$15/hr

Description Staff Management | SMX is immediately hiring Production Associates at the Mars Petcare factory in Ft. Smith, AR! Associates receive pay increases after 90 days and 1 year, per eligibility ...

Staff Management | SMX

Be Seen First

Production Associate

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Staff Management | SMX is immediately hiring Production Associates at the Mars Petcare factory in Ft. Smith, AR! Associates receive pay increases after 90 days and 1 year, per eligibility ...

Butterball

Production Associate - 2nd Shift

Ozark, AR

$18.50/hr

Evisceration Production Associates perform tasks to clean and eviscerate (remove the organs of) recently-slaughtered turkeys to prepare for additional processing and packaging. Essential duties ...

Butterball

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Ozark, AR

$18.50/hr

Evisceration Production Associates perform tasks to clean and eviscerate (remove the organs of) recently-slaughtered turkeys to prepare for additional processing and packaging. Essential duties ...

Butterball

Manufacturing - 2nd Shift

Ozark, AR

$18.50/hr

Evisceration Production Associates perform tasks to clean and eviscerate (remove the organs of) recently-slaughtered turkeys to prepare for additional processing and packaging. Essential duties ...

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How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Fort Smith, AR is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Duties of a Production Associate?

A production associate’s job duties depend on the industry in which they work. If you’re a manufacturing production associate, then your responsibilities include maintaining production equipment and assemblies, ensuring quality control, overseeing manufacturing personnel, ordering materials, monitoring packaging and shipping of the product, and handling clerical tasks like work orders and documentation. As a production associate in the film and TV industry, your duties include hiring and scheduling actors and technical staff, resolving technical challenges such as equipment failure, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and vendors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Production Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Associate, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with assembly line machinery, inventory management systems, and safety protocols such as OSHA standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient production workflows, product quality, and a safe work environment.

What are some typical challenges Production Associates face when adjusting to fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Production Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, maintaining high attention to detail while working efficiently, and learning to operate various machinery safely. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with strict quality standards and safety protocols. Collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors is essential to ensure smooth workflow and meet production targets.

What are Production Associates?

Production Associates are entry-level workers who assist in the manufacturing process within factories or production facilities. Their responsibilities typically include assembling products, operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also be responsible for packaging, labeling, and basic maintenance of equipment. Production Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and supporting higher-level technicians or supervisors. The role often requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What is the difference between Production Associate vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction AssociateManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, production floorsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, assembly, packaging industriesManufacturing, industrial production, equipment maintenance sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level manufacturing rolesTechnical skills and equipment operation in manufacturing

The main difference between a Production Associate and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their responsibilities and skill requirements. Production Associates typically perform basic assembly and packaging tasks with minimal technical training, while Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and more technical duties. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Manufacturing Technicians usually require additional technical certifications or vocational training.

More about Production Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Fort Smith, AR? The most popular types of Production jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:
What are popular job titles related to Production Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR? For Production Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for? The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:
What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Production Associate jobs? Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Production Associate job openings:
Production Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,040 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Production Associate

Production Associate

Simos

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description
Staff Management | SMX is immediately hiring Production Associates at the Mars Petcare factory in Ft. Smith, AR! Associates receive pay increases after 90 days and 1 year, per eligibility requirements.Apply today or email your resume to [email protected] !
Available Shifts:
  • 1st Shift: 6:00 am - 2:30 pm $14/hr
  • 2nd Shift: 2:30 pm - 11 pm $15/hr
  • 3rd Shift: 10:30 pm - 7:00 am $14.50/hr
  • Day Shift (12 hour shift): 6:00 am - 6:30 pm $14/hr
  • Night Shift (12 hour shift): 6:00 pm - 6:30 am $14.50/hr

Perks & Benefits
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Climate Controlled Environment
  • Modern, high tech Environment
  • Other on the spot perks
  • Paid Training
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options
  • Medical / Dental Insurance
  • STD /LTD
  • Life Insurance
  • Referral Bonus (Restrictions Apply)
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • $14.00 - $15.00 /Hour
  • Bonus is per eligibility requirements

Employment Type & Shifts
  • Full Time
  • Long Term

  • All Shifts

Job Responsibilities
  • Picking, packing, and sorting of bags of product into cases while ensuring correct count and configuration.
  • Palletize cases and prepare for shipment.
  • Ensure product quality standards for all aspects of assigned job.
  • Sanitation maintain clean work area
  • Follow written standardized manufacturing operating procedures or work instructions.
  • Pick and pack product according to written standards.
  • Perform routine quality inspections.
  • Have the ability to lift 20-55 lbs. as needed.
  • Maintain site 5-S or if production is down adhere to cleaning policy.

  • Manufacturing associates must pass basic math and reading testing.
  • If hired associates must wear company issued uniforms and wear slip resistant steel toe shoes.
  • Associates will be required to comply with all Food Manufacturing GMP policies and procedures.
  • This is a non-tobacco facility, no tobacco is allowed on the factory premises.
  • Mandatory steel toe shoes

Associate Requirements
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Background Check
  • Able to Lift 50 pounds
  • Drug Test
  • Stand for Shift Duration
  • Must be at least 18 years old

Apply