Processing Personnel

Job Identification:

Position Summary:

Processing Personnel play a vital role in the humane harvesting, fabrication, processing, and packaging of meat products in compliance with USDA standards. This hands-on position involves operating specialized equipment, maintaining sanitation and safety protocols, inventory management, and delivering excellent customer service. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. They will work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating professionalism, initiative, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering quality products. This role requires working in cold environments and adhering to high standards of cleanliness and safety. On-the-job training is provided for individuals eager to build a career in the meat processing industry.

Essential Job Functions:

Meat Processing & Fabrication

• Harvest livestock in accordance with USDA standards and humane handling practices.
• Break down carcasses and fabricate into retail cuts per customer specifications.
• Prepare special cuts, grind meat, and mix ingredients for sausages and deli items.
• Cook, smoke, and package meat products.
• Ensure product quality, labeling and packaging accuracy, and compliance with USDA and customer requirements.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate meat cutting tools, processing machinery, pallet jacks (manual/electric), and upright reach trucks.
• Disassemble, clean, sanitize, and reassemble food processing equipment.
• Perform safety and temperature checks on equipment and products.

Sanitation & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized work environment.
• Use approved chemicals for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• Follow all safety protocols and enforce quality standards.
• Report potential issues to management.

Inventory & Logistics

• Receive, store, and organize meat supplies and customer products.
• Utilize inventory systems (e.g., Parity Factory) for tracking, storing and shipping.
• Stack, wrap, and palletize products; assist with customer loadouts and deliveries.
• Unload supply trucks and support warehouse operations.

Leadership & Teamwork

• Lead by example and promote positive team morale.
• Mentor team members and encourage problem-solving.
• Attend staff and department meetings.
• Monitor daily logs, maintain accurate records, prepare efficiency reports, and meet/exceed efficiency goals.

Customer Service

• Deliver excellent customer experiences through quality products and service.

Non-essential Job Functions:

• Assist with inventory management and organization.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall operations.

Job Specifications:

      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Dependability: Punctual, reliable, and committed to maintaining consistent attendance.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality control and accuracy, and safety.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates an ethical mindset, remains calm under pressure, maintains a positive attitude, and presents oneself in a professional manner.
• Teamwork & Communication: Collaborates effectively with others and contributes to a positive team environment.
• Initiative & Problem-Solving: A self-starter with proactive tendencies; able to make quick, sound decisions and help improve operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Adheres to safety protocols and understands SQF principles.
• Organization & Time Management: Strong ability to manage tasks independently, maintain focus, and follow through efficiently.
• Training Support: Assists in training new team members.
• Compliance & Safety: Adheres to safety protocols and understands SQF principles.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Familiarity with power tools and meat processing machinery is a plus.
• Apprenticeship or specialization in meat cutting is an asset - but not required.
• Experience in meat cutting within food service or retail environments preferred.

      Physical Abilities:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Standing for prolonged periods.

• Lifting heavy loads (up to 60 pounds).
• Exposure to cold temperatures and sharp tools.
• Hand-eye coordination required.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular exposure to cold and wet environments, as well as moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work area can be loud. Employees must be comfortable working in these conditions and follow all safety protocols.

Disclaimers:

This job description encompasses and describes most but not all tasks and responsibilities of the job. The management reserves the right to change the nature of the job and the job description with or without prior warning, as well as to give special consideration to circumstances related to the essential job functions on a case-by-case basis. The management may require the incumbent to perform other duties as assigned.

This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the employer's discretion. PLEASE NOTE: Hiring preference in the following order will be provided to qualified members of the Quapaw Nation followed by spouses and caregivers of Quapaw Nation members and then other federally recognized tribes. The Quapaw Nation requires a designated candidate to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and confirmation of professional references.

*The Quapaw Nation will not observe a medical marijuana card for any position deemed safety sensitive in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act (Unity Bill).