Production Specialist (Core Operations Team Member)
Location: Ham Lake, MN 55304
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Pay Rate: $19/hour starting
Environment: Fast-paced, hot, humid, dusty farm environment
About Us
The Bug Company is a leader in the pet industry, specializing in the farming and production of live insects for reptile and exotic pet owners nationwide.
We are building a reliable, high-performing core team focused on consistency, safety, quality, and long-term employment. As we invest in higher pay and stronger staffing, we are prioritizing individuals who value accountability, follow-through, teamwork, and dependable performance.
Position Summary
The Production Specialist is a team member with a hands-on role responsible for the daily care, handling, production, and quality control of live insect products.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, supporting insect husbandry operations, and ensuring production goals are achieved safely and consistently. Employees in this role contribute directly to the success of our operation through attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to established procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the daily production and care of live insect colonies
- Perform insect husbandry tasks according to established procedures
- Handle live insects safely and appropriately throughout production processes
- Follow production schedules and standardized work instructions
- Operate basic equipment: tape guns, packaging tools, and materials safely and efficiently
- Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas
- Monitor inventory levels and report concerns to leadership
- Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality standards
- Support team members in achieving department objectives
- Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or process deviations immediately
Safety-Focused Work Environment
Safety is a core expectation of this role, not an afterthought.
Employees are expected to:
- Follow all production, handling, and workplace safety procedures
- Maintain awareness of surroundings in a fast-paced production environment
- Use equipment, tools, and materials properly at all times
- Immediately report unsafe conditions or hazards
- Support a clean and organized workplace to reduce risks and maintain product quality
- Follow biosecurity and husbandry protocols as required
We are committed to maintaining a workplace where safety, consistency, and accountability are part of everyday operations.
What We’re Looking For (Core Success Traits)
We are hiring for dependability, safety awareness, and consistency first. Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong attendance and reliability history
- Comfortable working in structured, process-driven environments
- Ability to follow detailed instructions consistently
- Attention to detail while maintaining productivity
- Respect for safety procedures and workplace standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to learn and follow standardized processes exactly
- Ability to stay focused in repetitive but important work
- Preference for stable, long-term employment
Preferred Experience
Experience is helpful but not required. Candidates with backgrounds in the following areas may be successful:
- Animal care or husbandry
- Greenhouse or gardening operations
- Agricultural production
- Manufacturing or production environments
- Assembly line work
- Warehouse operations
- General manual labor
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Standing, bending, walking, and repetitive motion throughout the shift
- Ability to work with urgency while maintaining quality standards
- Comfort working in hot, humid, and dusty conditions
- Ability to safely handle and work directly with live insects
Schedule
Full-time, consistent weekly schedule:
Tuesday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM & Friday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Hours will fluctuate based on production schedules, shipping schedules, and company needs.
Pay & Benefits
We offer competitive pay to attract reliable, safety-minded, long-term team members (according to company policy):
- $19/hour starting rate
- ESST (Minnesota Earned Sick & Safe Time)
- Minnesota Paid Leave
- Paid vacation
- 7 paid holidays
- Medical benefits
- 401(k) with company match
What Makes This Role Different
We are intentionally building a strong core workforce, not simply filling vacancies.
This means:
- Higher expectations around reliability, attendance, and safety
- Stronger team consistency and predictable operations
- Structured workflows and clear procedures
- Greater investment in long-term employees
- A workplace where quality, insect care, and safety matter every day
We are offering higher pay because we are prioritizing employees who can consistently support a safe, stable, and high-quality production operation.
Ideal Candidate Mindset
This role is a strong fit for someone who is looking for:
- Stable, full-time employment
- A predictable schedule and structured environment
- A safety-focused workplace
- Hands-on production work with tangible results
- Long-term job stability, not short-term work
- A role where consistency, quality, and reliability are valued and rewarded
Hiring Process
- Complete our application questionnaire today
- Phone screening (typically same day)
- In-person interview scheduled within the same week for qualified candidates
- Background and reference checks required prior to offer
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bug Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
At-will employment applies to all positions.
