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Unloading/Tattoo

Smithfield Foods · Monmouth, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 works with live hogs as they come off trucks. Have you worked around large animals before?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable and safe around livestock, which is the heart of this job.

Tell me about a time you had to be dependable for a team that was counting on you to show up.

What they are checking: Whether they are reliable, since the whole plant depends on hogs being unloaded on schedule.

Tell me about a time you followed a rule even when it would have been easier not to.

What they are checking: Whether they stick to procedures without a supervisor watching, which matters for welfare and safety.

What would you do

A hog won't move off the trailer. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they would use patience and approved methods instead of rough handling.

You see a coworker hitting or kicking an animal. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they would report animal abuse, which the plant must take very seriously.

Unloading areas can be cold, hot, noisy and smelly. How do you feel about working there every day?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic expectations about working conditions before taking the job.

About the work

Why do you think calm, humane handling of animals matters here?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that animal welfare is a legal and ethical requirement, not just a company preference.

Tattooing hogs ties them back to the farm they came from. Why would it matter to get that mark right every time?

What they are checking: Whether they see that traceability depends on their accuracy, which matters for food safety and recalls.

How would you keep yourself safe working around animals that can weigh hundreds of pounds?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the injury risks of livestock work and how to position themselves safely.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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! Job Description The Value You’ll Bring As a General Production team member at Smithfield Foods, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day. You’ll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference—both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly. What You’ll Do General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Production team members must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands. Physical Demands & Work Environment 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. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must be willing and able to: • Understand and follow oral and written instructions • Perform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending arms • Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shift • Work around animal blood and/or carcass parts • Work with a knife (if trained) • Work in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees) • Work in an environment that is wet and humid • Work while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoes • Work in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE) • Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicals • Work around strong smells/odors • Climb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platforms • Bend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shift • Walk long distances • May require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the position • This work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups.  Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance. • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs. 

Relocation Package Available

No

 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.

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