Production Associate

Salary Range: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour (shift differentials for 2nd and 3rd shifts)

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Location: Onsite in Mesa, AZ

Classification: Non-exempt, full time

Reports to: Production Manager

About the Company

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures were born from a simple but radical idea: real food can heal — people, animals, and the planet. When Paleovalley co-founders Autumn and Chas Smith saw how industrialized food was affecting human health and the health of the land, they refused to play along. Autumn’s own journey of healing through nutrient-dense foods lit a fire that became Paleovalley. From there, the mission grew roots, sprouted wings, and eventually expanded into Wild Pastures to bring regeneratively raised meats directly to families nationwide.

Today, Paleovalley crafts deeply nourishing snacks and supplements made with organic ingredients and honorable sourcing. Wild Pastures connects small American farmers practicing regenerative agriculture with customers who believe better food is worth fighting for. Every product, every partnership, and every decision is guided by a commitment to real ingredients, regenerative practices, and the belief that health is built from the soil up.

We’re a team of grounded doers, curious thinkers, bold builders, and warm humans who like to laugh while doing meaningful work. We're growing quickly, fueled by purpose and a shared desire to repair the food system one thoughtful choice at a time.

If you feel energized by impact, drawn to mission, and ready to join a company rewriting the future of food, we’d love to meet you!

About the Opportunity

The Production Associate is essential to keeping our production operation running smoothly, safely, and with integrity. You’ll play a hands-on part in transforming high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients into products our customers rely on for their health. By showing up with consistency, care, and a team-first mindset, you help ensure our mission-driven standards are met every single day.

What You’ll Do

• Support daily production operations by preparing raw materials and assisting with food manufacturing processes from start to finish

• Operate production and packaging equipment according to established procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent output

• Execute thorough cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work areas, following GMPs, SSOPs, and food safety standards

• Package, label, and palletize finished products accurately to meet quality specifications and production goals

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while consistently following PPE and safety requirements

• Monitor product quality during production and promptly communicate any issues to QA or production leadership

• Collaborate closely with teammates, leads, and QA to keep workflows moving smoothly across shifts

• Follow all regulatory, quality, and documentation requirements to ensure compliance with food manufacturing standards

• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting different production tasks or shifts as business needs change

• Show initiative by staying engaged, asking what’s next, and contributing to continuous improvement on the floor

Requirements

• 1+ year of experience in a food, beverage, supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and food manufacturing standards

• Willingness to perform routine cleaning and sanitation tasks as a core part of the role

• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 pounds

• Comfort working in a production environment with machinery, temperature changes, and noise

• Flexibility to work assigned shifts, including evenings or overtime as needed.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Bonus Points

• Previous experience with sanitation or cleaning-in-place (CIP) procedures in a food manufacturing environment

• Experience with packaging, labeling, or palletizing finished goods

• Previous experience as a Production Associate

• Familiarity with GMPs, food safety, or quality standards in regulated environments

• Interest in or appreciation for real food, wellness, sustainability, or mission-driven brands

Benefits

Our Commitment to You

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid dental/vision and a small monthly medical premium for employees; dependents may be added at employee cost

• Generous Paid time off to support balance and rest

• Paid sick time for when you need it

• Six (6) paid holidays each year

• Paid parental leave for growing families

• 100% company-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with up to a 4% company match after one year of service

• Monthly product stipend or access to perfectly imperfect damaged product so you can enjoy the nutrient-dense foods you help bring to others

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role takes place in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and airborne particles. Employees must follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift and move items up to 50 pounds. Work may involve operating or working near machinery and other equipment. These physical demands are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compliance & Employment Practices

Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are proud to be equal opportunity employers. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination — are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please reach out to HRteam@paleovalley.com to let us know. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. At this time, Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, or OPT.

This role is open until filled.