Safety Technician Jobs in Iowa
Safety Technician jobs in Iowa are in steady demand, concentrated in agricultural processing, advanced manufacturing, and construction, with openings at every level from entry-level technician to senior safety coordinator. The heaviest hiring is in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where employers like John Deere, Tyson Foods, and Collins Aerospace maintain large operations with active safety programs. Process safety, construction site compliance, and OSHA recordkeeping are the most consistently requested specialties. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Safety Technician jobs
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
A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. As the world’s largest pork processor and largest hog producer in the United States. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
- Hourly Competitive Starting Pay – $22.50/hour
- 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.
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will play an important role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards. You will perform routine sanitation checks, enforce HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track products from start to finish — identifying issues and driving corrective actions when needed.
You will be responsible for monitoring quality in your area, from grading products and documenting results to overseeing sanitation, temperatures, GMPs, and more. Working closely with production teams, you’ll help resolve issues, investigate root causes, and improve processes. You’ll also support quality programs through training and performance assessment.
Your attention to detail ensures our brands — from Smithfield to Nathan’s Famous — are delivered safely and with confidence.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below 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.
Quality Verification: You conduct routine inspections — including process, metal detection, cooking, and chilling — to ensure products meet all quality standards. You identify and act on out-of-spec products, interpret customer specs, and collaborate with teams to correct issues quickly.
Quality Improvement: You drive continuous improvement by addressing deficiencies, identifying root causes of failures, and supporting QA programs. This includes training, spec reviews, and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
Food Safety & HACCP Compliance: You help develop and enforce HACCP programs, monitor critical control points, and ensure food safety protocols are followed throughout the production process.
Regulatory & Sanitation Oversight: You ensure USDA regulatory requirements are met, assist with food safety documentation updates, and perform pre-op sanitation checks — following up to guarantee proper cleaning and sampling procedures.
Communication & Training: You report food safety issues, recommend corrective actions, and support plant training on deficiencies. In the absence of key personnel, you're prepared to step in or delegate responsibilities as needed.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
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), required.
For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.
Must have the ability to complete required forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
Capable of creating, interpreting, and maintaining technical documents, reports, and manuals, with effective written and verbal communication across teams and stakeholders.
Experienced in using monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and responding to regulatory or customer inquiries with sound, evidence-based decisions.
Proficient in office software and able to interpret and follow instructions in various formats, including written, oral, and visual.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Associate’s degree, preferred
Effectively collaborates with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude to foster strong working relationships and a positive workplace culture.
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.
Office and plant setting. The plant environment 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 in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Exposed to temperatures ranging from 30 - 80 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously.
Frequently required to stand for prolonged times; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
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.
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
A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. As the world’s largest pork processor and largest hog producer in the United States. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
- Hourly Competitive Starting Pay – $22.50/hour
- 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.
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will play an important role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards. You will perform routine sanitation checks, enforce HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track products from start to finish — identifying issues and driving corrective actions when needed.
You will be responsible for monitoring quality in your area, from grading products and documenting results to overseeing sanitation, temperatures, GMPs, and more. Working closely with production teams, you’ll help resolve issues, investigate root causes, and improve processes. You’ll also support quality programs through training and performance assessment.
Your attention to detail ensures our brands — from Smithfield to Nathan’s Famous — are delivered safely and with confidence.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below 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.
Quality Verification: You conduct routine inspections — including process, metal detection, cooking, and chilling — to ensure products meet all quality standards. You identify and act on out-of-spec products, interpret customer specs, and collaborate with teams to correct issues quickly.
Quality Improvement: You drive continuous improvement by addressing deficiencies, identifying root causes of failures, and supporting QA programs. This includes training, spec reviews, and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
Food Safety & HACCP Compliance: You help develop and enforce HACCP programs, monitor critical control points, and ensure food safety protocols are followed throughout the production process.
Regulatory & Sanitation Oversight: You ensure USDA regulatory requirements are met, assist with food safety documentation updates, and perform pre-op sanitation checks — following up to guarantee proper cleaning and sampling procedures.
Communication & Training: You report food safety issues, recommend corrective actions, and support plant training on deficiencies. In the absence of key personnel, you're prepared to step in or delegate responsibilities as needed.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
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), required.
For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.
Must have the ability to complete required forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
Capable of creating, interpreting, and maintaining technical documents, reports, and manuals, with effective written and verbal communication across teams and stakeholders.
Experienced in using monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and responding to regulatory or customer inquiries with sound, evidence-based decisions.
Proficient in office software and able to interpret and follow instructions in various formats, including written, oral, and visual.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Associate’s degree, preferred
Effectively collaborates with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude to foster strong working relationships and a positive workplace culture.
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.
Office and plant setting. The plant environment 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 in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Exposed to temperatures ranging from 30 - 80 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously.
Frequently required to stand for prolonged times; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
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.
See All 6 Safety Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Safety Technician JobsSafety Technician Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Safety Technician Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in safety technician jobs across Iowa.
- OSHA 30-hour construction or general industry certification recognized in Iowa
- Associate or bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety, or environmental science
- One to three years of hands-on safety inspection or compliance experience
- Familiarity with Iowa OSHA regulations and federal OSHA standards enforcement
- Experience conducting incident investigations and preparing written safety reports
- Proficiency with safety management software and OSHA recordkeeping requirements
Safety Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a safety technician in Iowa?
Most Iowa employers require at minimum an associate degree in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field, plus OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. Iowa does not issue a state-specific safety technician license, but employers in manufacturing and construction strongly prefer candidates working toward the Associate Safety Professional or Certified Safety Professional credential through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Entry-level roles often accept candidates who combine coursework with a relevant internship.
Which companies hire safety technicians in Iowa?
Iowa safety technician roles are posted by RNR TIRE EXPRESS, HNI Corporation, and Smithfield Foods and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's concentration of food processing plants, agricultural equipment manufacturers, and large construction contractors creates consistent year-round demand for qualified safety staff.
Which Iowa cities have the most safety technician jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Davenport account for the largest share of safety technician openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives demand through its construction activity and corporate headquarters, Cedar Rapids is anchored by food processing and aerospace manufacturing, and Davenport benefits from its heavy industrial base along the Mississippi corridor where facilities require dedicated on-site safety coverage.
Are there remote safety technician jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Safety technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical site inspections, hazard assessments, and direct employee interaction that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of safety technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be limited to administrative safety coordination or compliance documentation roles rather than field positions.
How can I get hired as a safety technician in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an OSHA 30-hour course and applying to entry-level safety coordinator or safety observer roles at Iowa's large food processing and manufacturing employers, which regularly bring on candidates without deep experience. John Deere and Tyson Foods both run structured onboarding programs that pair new safety staff with senior technicians. Candidates who hold a current first aid and CPR certification and can show coursework in industrial hygiene or environmental health stand out when competing for these roles.
Where can I find and apply to safety technician jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to safety technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the available roles, identify the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 6 Safety Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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