Operations Associate Program

About the role

The Operations Associate Program (OAP) is a full-time training program for individuals interested in a career in fresh pork processing. The program provides hands-on industry experience in the day-to-day operations of a 900,000 square-foot fresh pork facility harvesting 22,500 animals per day in Guymon, OK.

Operations Associates develop key skills in multiple areas:

• Phase one: Production training to learn key positions required for yields and efficiencies.
• Phase two: Exposure to food safety and quality standards for the company.
• Phase three: Working side-by-side with production management to learn day-to-day line management.

The duration of each training phase varies based on business needs, previous experience, and mastery of skills.

About Us

At Seaboard Foods, we create sought-after pork as a top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries. Our commitment is to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. With over 5,400 employees in five states, we operate farms, feed mills, and a processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh® pork, prioritizing animal well-being, environmental sustainability, employee safety, and community impact. Our renewable gas projects on farms contribute to renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, we foster a dynamic culture where employees contribute meaningfully.

Responsibilities

• Participate in new hire orientation, certification programs, and departmental overviews to understand plant and support operations.
• Become skillful in critical production positions using tools such as Whizard knife, straight knife, and draw knife.
• Develop thorough knowledge of position requirements for assigned line/department and demonstrate skills for each position.
• Train and develop a competent workforce using hands-on methods in the working area.
• Communicate and collaborate with all levels of management within the organization.
• Ensure new hires and existing employees are trained and qualified for line positions.
• Communicate daily expectations, provide direction, and offer feedback to probationary employees to meet production goals.
• Participate in the harvest inspection program.
• Maintain knowledge of company policies, SOPs, Job Safety Analysis (JA), training requirements, and personal protective equipment.
• Maintain accurate records for product quality, regulatory compliance (USDA), FSQA policies, and HACCP documentation.
• Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SOPs, and Critical Control Points (CCPs) to ensure product quality and food safety.

Core competencies for success: Instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or associate degree in meat science, food science, or related field (preferred).
• Internship or work experience in a meat processing plant (preferred).
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and provide proactive solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to facilitate, encourage, and lead a team to achieve goals.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good critical thinking and judgment skills to solve problems.
• Effective communication and ability to interact with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (typically 9-10 hours per day).

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Work Environment

The physical and work demands include:

• Exposure to hot, cold, and humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Loud noise levels requiring hearing protection in all protected areas.
• Regular lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 100 pounds.
• Required vision abilities: close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Primarily a plant operations environment with some office work. Hours and days are based on departmental needs and management discretion, including after-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental benefits upon hire.
• 401K with company match.
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.
• Wellness Program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee pork purchase program.

For a complete list of benefits, visit Seaboard Foods Careers.