Smokehouse Specialist

Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!

We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  Western Smokehouse Partners is looking for a 2nd Shift Smokehouse Specialist.

The Smokehouse Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all smokehouse processes meet food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance standards. This role plays a key part in monitoring critical control points during thermal processing and supports the alignment between production and quality assurance teams. The Smokehouse Specialist will conduct routine verifications, review batch documentation, and assist with corrective actions to ensure product consistency and safety in a high-volume meat stick manufacturing environment. 

 Essential Duties 

• Monitor smokehouse processes to ensure compliance with internal quality standards, USDA regulations, and HACCP protocols. 

• Verify thermal processing parameters, including time, temperature, humidity, water activity (Aw), and pH, are recorded accurately and meet product specifications. 

• Review and maintain smokehouse batch records, cook logs, and temperature charts for accuracy and completeness. 

• Conduct pre-operational inspections and sanitation verifications prior to smokehouse startup. 

• Collaborate with Production, QA, and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot and resolve deviations or process failures. 

• Perform in-process checks on finished products to verify texture, color, packaging integrity, and overall appearance. 

• Validate proper tagging of smokehouse racks and ensure correct labeling, ingredient tracking, and traceability. 

• Assist with corrective and preventative action (CAPA) implementation when quality or safety issues are identified. 

• Support the QA team with internal audits, product testing, and continuous improvement initiatives related to thermal processing. 

• Maintain calibration and verification logs for smokehouse monitoring equipment. 

• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and all applicable USDA/FDA regulations. 

• Communicate findings to QA leadership and escalate any issues that may affect product safety or regulatory compliance. 

• Provide support during regulatory inspections and third-party audits. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support company quality and food safety goals. 

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary education in food science, microbiology, or a related field is a plus. 

• 1–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, preferably with exposure to RTE (Ready-to-Eat) meat processing or thermal processing environments. 

• Working knowledge of HACCP, food safety regulations, and USDA/FSIS guidelines. 

• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify and document quality deviations. 

• Ability to read and interpret batch records, cook logs, and product specifications. 

• Comfortable using basic computer systems for data entry and quality documentation. 

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 

• Willingness to work in cold/hot environments and adhere to strict safety and sanitation guidelines. 

• HACCP certification or willingness to obtain preferred. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. regularly throughout a production shift. 

• Exposure to varying temperatures, including refrigerated and hot smokehouse environments. 

• Must be able to work in areas with high humidity and strong food odors. 

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in designated areas. 

• Work performed in a fast-paced, high-volume food production setting. 

 Benefits Offered: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) with company match 

• Paid time off and paid holidays 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

Compliance and Safety 

This position must comply with all company policies, USDA and FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA standards, and Illinois Department of Labor guidelines. Employees are expected to report any food safety or equipment concerns immediately and actively contribute to a culture of safety and compliance. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Western Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.