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This position has closed. Smithfield Foods removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 6, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Comber - 2nd shift - Heavy Lifting

Smithfield Foods · Cudahy, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 5, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This job involves picking up pumped bellies and pressing them onto a comb over and over. Have you done heavy, repetitive lifting before, and how did it go?

What they are checking: Whether they truly understand the physical load of this job and have handled similar work.

Tell me about a time you kept a steady pace on a job even when you were tired.

What they are checking: Whether they have the stamina and work ethic to keep up with a line all shift.

How do you get along with coworkers when the work is fast and everyone is stressed?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and respectful on a busy line instead of adding to the tension.

What would you do

Second shift starts in the afternoon and runs late. Is there anything that would get in the way of being here every day?

What they are checking: Whether they can be reliable on this schedule, since a missing comber slows the whole line.

You start feeling a sharp pain in your shoulder halfway through the shift. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they would report pain early instead of pushing through and getting seriously hurt.

If a belly falls on the floor, what should happen to it?

What they are checking: Whether they follow food safety rules for dropped product rather than putting it back on the line.

What would you do if the person next to you kept sending product your way faster than you could handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate or call a lead instead of letting product pile up or cutting corners.

About the work

How do you lift heavy product safely when you have to do it hundreds of times a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they know safe lifting habits that prevent back and shoulder injuries in repetitive work.

Why do you think it matters where and how firmly you press the comb into the belly?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that small details at their station affect how the bacon cooks and looks later.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Smithfield Foods from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Smithfield Foods.

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now! YOUR OPPORTUNITY: Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages: • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay – $23.78/hour • $1.00/hour shift differential for 2nd shift positions • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More. • Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements. In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows: • Pick up comb and impale flank end of pumped belly, pressing down on comb. • Pick up belly and comb and hang on hook conveyor. • Place lot marking tickets on first and last four bellies of each lot. • Make sure pump is delivering pickle at all times. • Maintain pickle level in pump tank. • Hanging bellies to match tree layout spec. • Performs other duties as assigned by the Crew Leader and Supervisor. QUALIFICATIONS: 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 . • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred • 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. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: • Combs and aprons. 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. • The majority of the time is spent in the plant environment and will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. • Noise level is loud in the production area and hearing protection is always required. • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. SAFETY EQUIPMENT/TRAINING REQUIREMENT: • Bump cap, hair/beardnet, eye protection/goggles, hand protection, hearing protection, wire mesh face shield and safety shoes MANDATORY TRAINING/COMPETENCY TO BE EARNED: • Proper lifting and PPE The above 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. IndSPR-Ops 





 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.