Meat Packaging Technician

Job Summary

Merindorf Meats is seeking a detail-oriented Meat Packaging Technician to join our production team. In this role, you will operate high-speed packaging machinery, ensure all meat products are sealed airtight, and verify that weight and nutritional labels are completely accurate. Your primary goal is to maintain high efficiency while strictly enforcing food safety and quality standards before products are shipped out.

Core Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Set up, operate, and troubleshoot automated packaging equipment, vacuum sealers, and commercial labeling machines.
• Quality Assurance: Inspect packaged meat for proper seals, correct date codes, accurate weights, and structural defects to prevent contamination.
• Product Assembly: Place portioned meat into trays, guide them through wrapping lines, and pack finished goods securely into shipping boxes or crates.
• FIFO & Tracking: Ensure all processed batches are correctly logged, labeled, and rotated using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Sanitation & Safety: Disassemble, clean, and sanitize packaging machinery at the end of shifts according to strict USDA and OSHA safety guidelines.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: 1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food packaging facility is highly preferred.
• Technical Ability: Comfort operating computerized assembly lines, conveyor belts, and automated scaling equipment.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in a cold environment (40-50F), stand for extended periods, and repeatedly lift heavy boxes up to 50–75 pounds.
• Attention to Detail: Sharp vision to spot micro-tears in plastic seals, faded barcode prints, or incorrect weight distributions.
• Certifications: Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols is a major plus.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly pay with shift differentials (for night/weekend shifts)
• Full health, dental, and vision insurance packages
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Provided cold-weather safety gear and uniforms

Pay: $13.73 - $15.73 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person