Pork Quality Technologist

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Pork Quality Technologist to play a key role in optimizing carcass profitability through in-plant genetic trials and tests. In this position, you'll have the opportunity to apply your expertise in research to enhance pork quality and drive efficiency. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact while working in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

The Pork Quality Technologist will be responsible for managing and conducting in-plant genetic trials and tests designed to assess meat quality, improve carcass composition and value, and manage projects to optimize carcass profitability. This will be done by coordinating tests and collecting detailed information for genetic improvement of the commercial test herd (CTH) and research animals from Smithfield Premium Genetics and Smithfield Live Animal Production as well as having a significant role with other projects at Smithfield processing facilities. This will also include laboratory tests and data collection for the evaluation of fat quality of animals supplied across all harvest locations of Smithfield Foods as well as research projects that identify characteristics of color, marbling, firmness, tenderness, purge and cooking loss of product produced by Smithfield Foods and all major competitors. The incumbent will share responsibilities of coordinating all research projects as part of the Pork Quality Team with relation to plant personnel and management, suppliers of research animals, research teams assisting with evaluations, plant procurement, and Pork Quality Team members. The incumbent will also be responsible for data management and reporting responsibilities with the Pork Quality Team Management.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Data Collection and Testing: Collect and compile necessary information to address test results. Maintain a tracking system for testing and data warehousing.

• Technology and Innovation: Identify and test new technologies that can add value to commodity pork products. Evaluate online tools and new technologies to differentiate or assess product quality.

• Competitive Benchmarking: Maintain and enhance competitive benchmarking programs. Manage a competitive benchmarking database for genetic testing and retail product evaluations.

• Carcass Quality and Economic Impact: Identify the economic impact of carcass defects. Develop procedures to reduce the occurrence of carcass defects.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master's degree preferred.

• Must be proficient with a computer and have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and OneDrive.

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Must have strong organizational and communication skills in order to manage multiple projects at one time.

• Candidate must be a stickler for details, have the ability to remain flexible and must be a team player. Must have excellent work ethic and be willing to work in a variety of plant environments.

• Meat or livestock judging team experience strongly preferred.

• Occasional travel as required.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent math and computer skills.

• Detail-oriented with effective planning and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated multi-tasking and project management skills.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions and extreme heat (non-weather); frequently exposed to extreme cold (non-weather).

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud if in the manufacturing/production environments.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

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EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.