We are seeking Part-Time Poultry Processing Workers for our pasture-raised poultry processing Business in Williamsburg, Iowa seasonally between April-November every year.
In 2021, we built our own on-farm processing facility to process 100% of our pasture raised chickens for our wholesale and household customers. In 2025, we are now opening a new larger facility, Prairie Poultry Processing, on our farm to meet increasing demand and begin offering State-Inspected processing services for our farm and other regional pastured poultry producers.
Prairie Poultry Processing is looking for motivated individuals with a passion for agriculture and food to assist with weekly processing of Iowa pastured poultry. Processing will take place one day per week to start (8 hour shifts, 7am-3pm), with potential to grow to multiple days per week. Multiple roles available depending on skillset and preference.
How to Apply: Fill out our Application, which includes a resume, short questions, and a place to provide references. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2025. Processing work begins in mid-late August and wraps up for 2025 at the end of November. There may be additional hours available over the winter months as well.
Responsibilities:
Work in our on-farm IDALS inspected processing plant - processing an average of 400 broiler chickens per week and seasonally turkeys.
Proper assembly and disassembly of processing equipment.
Maintaining a sharp knife and excellent knife skills.
Practice accurate food safety techniques set forth in our HACCP plan.
Disassembling and washing all equipment and hand tools. Washing all tables, cutting boards, and floors. Scrubbing down floors and walls.
Packaging and labeling finished products for distribution.
Follow and comply, or ensure compliance, with established procedures, including weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
Ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness.
Good communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
Experience And Requirements:
Experience working in food production (cooking, butcher, food manufacturing) a plus.
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.
In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
Exposure to temperatures: less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezers), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.
Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment
Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, pluckers, scalders, and meat grinders.
Must be 18 years of age or older
Compensation:
$15 - 20 per hour based on experience and role; 10 - 15 hours per week; health insurance is not provided. Staff receive generous food allowances; discounts, professional development and training.
