About the position
At Hilmar Cheese Company, we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, we have been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the-art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein, and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries, helping bring their vision into reality. Throughout our decades of success and growth, we have remained committed to our mission and values, and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do. As a Tower Operator, your primary responsibilities will include running and maintaining cheese towers and related equipment. You will ensure the correct operation and adherence to all procedures for the assigned equipment. This role requires the ability to identify flows from HCVs to packaging, including completing product transitions. You will troubleshoot and communicate any plant issues with related equipment and/or processes, and understand and maintain the operation and sanitation of all typical day equipment, including the CIP (Clean In Place) system, COP (Clean Out of Place systems), operator-based maintenance, and pre and post CIP inspections. You will also be responsible for all in-process sampling as assigned and will need to notify and communicate with management/maintenance any problems with equipment or processes that could affect safety, food safety, or quality. The role requires the ability to learn and operate computer-related processes and controls, as well as proper product safe handling and reforming procedures. Active participation and ownership in your training and development program and associated activities, classes, and events will be expected, which may occur before, during, after shifts, and during scheduled days off. You will help coach and train teammates and participate in on-the-job buddy training. A high priority must be placed on food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. This includes communicating any food safety incidents, observations, or opportunities to your leadership team or teammates, as well as participating in food safety and sanitation root cause analysis and improvement activities when required. Safety must be prioritized above all other job duties by maintaining a safety-first approach at all times, which includes reporting any safety issues, observations, or opportunities to your teams and following up accordingly.
Responsibilities
- Run and maintain cheese towers and related equipment.
- Ensure correct operation and follow all procedures of assigned equipment.
- Identify flows from HCVs to packaging, including completing product transitions.
- Troubleshoot and communicate any plant issues with related equipment and/or processes.
- Understand and maintain the operation and sanitation of all typical day equipment, including CIP and COP systems.
- Conduct pre and post CIP inspections and operator-based maintenance.
- Perform all in-process sampling as assigned.
- Notify and communicate with management/maintenance any problems with equipment or processes that could affect safety, food safety, or quality.
- Learn and operate computer-related processes and controls.
- Handle and reform products safely according to procedures.
- Participate actively in training and development programs and associated activities.
- Coach and train teammates and participate in on-the-job buddy training.
- Prioritize food safety and sanitation by executing HCC's policies and procedures.
- Report any safety issues, observations, or opportunities to teams.
Requirements
- Proficient English skills to understand, read, write, and speak English.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to work 12-hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
Nice-to-haves
- High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
- SAP experience.
- Dairy manufacturing experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of USD 22.99 - 26.24 per hour.
- Opportunities for overtime and weekend work as needed.
