Batching Operator

About the Role

Aurora Organic Dairy is committed to delivering organic dairy integrity, from cow to carton, to everyone, everywhere. Guided by a focus on animals, people, and planet, the company produces high‑quality organic dairy products while caring for its cows, supporting employees, investing in communities, and operating with responsible stewardship. The Batching Operator operates the blender, separator, thermizer, and remix systems—both automated and manual—to produce milk with various standard butterfat contents that fulfill customer orders and meet strict company, state, and federal regulations. This role includes batching and blending dry and liquid ingredients to meet product specifications and cross‑training in milk receiving and milk processing to serve as the operational link between those functions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report any deviations from Food Safety and Food Quality (HACCP & SQF) programs to the immediate supervisor.
• Operate the blender, separator, thermizer, and remix systems, at both the automated and manual level, to produce milk that meets exact product specifications.
• Transfer milk from raw silos to processing equipment and initiate the pasteurization process via automated equipment.
• Test samples of butterfat and solids content frequently throughout processing to verify state and federal ranges are being met.
• Monitor all stages of processing regularly to ensure temperatures, times, ranges, and other factors are being maintained.
• Partner with the lab to validate sample test results and take corrective measures when ranges fall out of specification.
• Perform and complete hydration testing on slurry batches.
• Maintain complete, accurate logs and documentation required by company, state, and federal mandates.
• Cross‑train in milk receiving and milk processing to serve as the operational link between those two functions and provide flexible coverage as production needs shift.
• Maintain pumps, valves, and other processing equipment.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Processing Supervisor or Processing Lead.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Degree in Dairy Science or 2 years in a related field preferred.
• Experience in dairy milk processing preferred.
• Experience with computers and data entry preferred.
• Solid math skills are a must.
• Must know and adhere to proper milk handling procedures.
• Must understand the critical nature of creating and maintaining mandated regulations.
• Detail‑oriented team member with a strong, honest work ethic and the ability to handle multiple tasks daily.
• Ability to pass in‑house certification for processing milk.
• Ability to pass in‑house certification for pasteurizing milk.
• Ability to learn procedures and tests done in the lab for verification of butterfat and solid count.

Physical Requirements

Must possess the physical ability to work the entire shift on the plant floor in a cool, wet environment with temperatures ranging between 34‑80 °F. Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, reach with arms, and grasp with hands and fingers repeatedly. Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 50+ pounds occasionally. Must be able to work safely in a fast‑paced environment around production machines, warehouse equipment, forklifts, large trucks, and tankers.