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Smokehouse Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Smokehouse Operator information

What is a smokehouse operator?

A Smokehouse Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining smokehouse equipment to cure and cook meat products. They monitor temperature, humidity, and cooking times to ensure food safety and quality standards are met. Duties may also include adjusting seasoning levels, inspecting products for consistency, and cleaning equipment after each cycle. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Smokehouse Operators typically work in food processing plants or meat production facilities.

What does a smokehouse operator do?

As a Smokehouse Operator, your typical day involves preparing and loading meats into the smokehouse, setting and monitoring temperatures and smoking cycles, and ensuring that products meet specific flavor and safety standards. You’ll frequently collaborate with butchers and quality control teams to coordinate processing schedules and troubleshoot any equipment or process issues. Attention to cleanliness and strict adherence to food safety protocols are crucial throughout your shift. Operators are often responsible for maintaining records and performing routine cleaning and maintenance of machinery. This hands-on role is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of independent tasks and teamwork in a bustling food production environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a smokehouse operator?

To thrive as a Smokehouse Operator, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, experience with smoking and curing meats, and attention to detail in temperature and timing controls. Familiarity with industrial smokehouse equipment, HACCP certification, and basic maintenance skills are also often required. Strong organization, teamwork, and communication skills help operators coordinate with production teams and maintain quality standards. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and consistent production of high-quality smoked products.

What are popular job titles related to Smokehouse Operator jobs in Michigan?

For Smokehouse Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Smokehouse Operator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Smokehouse Operator jobs in Michigan are:

Smokehouse Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smokehouse Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Smokehouse Operator- 5pm start time

Specialty Foods Group

Holland, MI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor the smokehouse process, perform temperature checks, and record the results.

  • Transition product from the floor to scales for weighing and then to ovens.

  • Accurately keep records related to smokehouse settings and meat processing activities.

Job description

Smokehouse Operator 3rd Shift - Quincy Street Inc. Holland, MI

Quincy Street Inc. a division of Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) is a fully integrated retail, foodservice and private label producer of fresh and processed meats based in Delphi, Indiana. Since the start of operations in 1991, we have experienced rapid growth from a single pork processing company into a multi-plant diversified producer of fresh and processed meats, with locations throughout America's Heartland and revenues of approximately $1.5B. We are best known for our national brand Kentucky Legend (the best-selling quarter-sliced ham in the United States) as well as a number of well-known regional brands, including Indiana Kitchen, Fischer's, Field, Mickelberry's, Kentuckian Gold, and Scott Pete. We now have processing facilities in Frankfort, Indiana; Holland, Michigan; and Owensboro, Kentucky.

We value diversity, innovation, collaboration and those passionate about their jobs. We support our associates by offering a total rewards package, including competitive pay, three different medical care plans (two with company-funded health savings accounts), pharmacy, dental, and vision plans, a retirement/401K (with 50% match on team members' contributions), a competitive paid time off program, educational assistance, and numerous advancement opportunities. With more than 3,100 team members located across 14 different states, we are a big company with a small company culture.

Our team helps feed the world! Are you ready to step up to the challenge of launching your career with Indiana Packers?

We are looking for highly responsible, motivated, and energetic individuals who possess a strong work ethic to fill these positions and be a part of our team.

Job Requirements:

  • Work in a cold (37 F) environment
  • Stand on your feet for a significant period of time
  • Bend, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment
  • Follow all established safety policies and guidelines
  • Work overtime, as needed daily and weekends
  • Pass substance/alcohol abuse tests and company physical

Experience, Education and Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Accurately keep records (smokehouse settings; racks of meat placed into smokehouse, etc.)
  • Be willing to gain an in-depth knowledge of smokehouse procedures.
  • 1-3 years navigating a PLC electronic panel
  • Transition product from floor, to scales (recording weight), to ovens
  • Monitor process, performing temperature checks and subsequent recording
  • Previous industrial, manufacturing, or processing, experience is preferred.

Soft Skills:

  • Demonstrate a strong set of care values that transcend both professional and personal environments.
  • Commit to continuous improvement, acting with urgency and purpose.
  • Have a commitment to strict adherence, of policies and procedures ensuring 100% compliance.
  • Continually demonstrate discipline, motivation, problem solving skills, and credibility
  • Highly attention to detail

Quincy Street Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values diversity. Our EOE policy not only prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category under state, local or federal law, but also reflects our commitment to making all employment decisions without regard to an individual's membership in a protected class. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, rates of pay and other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in company-sponsored employee activities. As part of its equal opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action in accordance with applicable laws to ensure that women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities have opportunities to join and progress within the Company.

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