Job Description

Technical Assistant- Thermal Processing Reports to Director of Thermal Processing

Job Summary:

The Thermal Processing Technical Assistant is detail-oriented and technically skilled to support the day-to-day operations of the fermenting, smoking, cooking, and cooling of all Cloverdale products. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting in the technical maintenance of smokehouse equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and optimizing the smokehouse production process to meet production targets.

Office Environment: 4% of the work is conducted in an office setting, involving time spent on computer research, project management, and communication with team members and stakeholders. Frequent participation in both in-person and virtual meetings, including project updates, strategy sessions, and presentations to management and stakeholders.

Production Environment: 95% Regular visits to the production areas will involve exposure to machinery, noise, varying temperatures, humidity, and wet conditions.

Travel: <1% Occasional travel for training, meetings, conferences, etc.

Schedule: Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed based on operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the operation and maintenance of smokehouse machinery, including smokers, ovens, and related equipment.
2. Provide technical support for troubleshooting and repairing smokehouse equipment in coordination with the maintenance team.
3. Monitor oven cycle temperature, humidity, and time controls to ensure optimal smoking conditions for meat products and through the testing samples.
4. Perform routine checks and calibrations of smokehouse equipment to ensure proper functioning and minimal downtime.
5. Document and report any discrepancies or malfunctions in the smokehouse process.
6. Ensure that all smoking processes are carried out in compliance with food safety standards and quality assurance procedures.
7. Conduct regular quality checks on smoked meats to ensure they meet the required specifications.
8. Assist in maintaining records for internal audits, traceability, and product quality.
9. Assist in preventative maintenance and scheduling repairs to minimize downtime.
10. Monitor production schedules and collaborate with the production team to ensure timely delivery of smoked meat products.
11. Provide technical insights to optimize smoking techniques, enhancing product quality and efficiency.
12. Adhere to workplace safety procedures and ensure safe handling of equipment, chemicals, and raw materials.
13. Assist with production as required.
14. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications :

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Technical or vocational training in food manufacturing, mechanical systems, or a related field is preferred.
3. Prior experience in a meat processing or food manufacturing facility is preferred.
4. Skilled at MS Office applications.
5. Data gathering and presenting
6. Experience working with Alkar Smokehouse Ovens preferred.
7. Ability to operate and troubleshoot industrial machinery.
8. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical specifications.
9. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
10. Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and Lean Six Sigma is a plus.

Working Conditions/ Physical Requirements:

1. Constant visits to production areas will involve exposure to machinery, high noise levels, varying temperatures, humidity, and wet conditions.
2. Must be able to lift, push, pull, or move up to 50 lbs.
3. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
4. Ability to work around ingredients and/or finished products containing food allergens.
5. Must be able to communicate through various channels, including phone, email, face-to-face, and videoconferencing.

The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

At Cloverdale Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for this role is between $18.00 - $23.00 per hour, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location.

Other components of Cloverdale Foods’ total compensation package include life insurance, medical, dental and vision coverage, pay-for-performance merit increases, and 401(k) with employer match, paid vacation, weekly massage reimbursement, and more.

Cloverdale Foods Company offers a competitive compensation package and an excellent benefits program. For confidential consideration, please send your resume to HRDept@cloverdalefoods.com or Fax: 701-663-0690. To comply with government recordkeeping requirements, please go to and send us a completed Online Application along with your resume/cover letter.

Cloverdale Foods Company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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