Cheese Operator (Swing)

About the role

Join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we create over 200 dairy products across seven categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese, and frozen meals. As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we emphasize Uncompromising Quality and Good Stewardship, fostering a One Team and Genuine Care mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cheese manufacturing and department cleaning processes.
• Perform HACCP monitoring duties for designated Critical Points (cream, milk, vat pasteurization, and metal detectors).
• Maintain proper records, cleaning in place (CIP), and sanitizing procedures.
• Monitor and/or record operations in NAV and Wonderware systems.
• Cheese Towers: Set up towers and sealers for production; operate towers and sealers throughout the production day; control block weights; perform CIP and sanitizing procedures; handle tower vacuum pump hookups for production and CIP.
• Cheese Boxer: Set up and operate the boxer for production; ensure proper operation throughout the day; verify correct recipe, date, and count; clean the boxer, boxer room, and salt room; fill and monitor salt bins; perform hourly boxer, leaker, and salt checks; make milk silo changes as needed.
• Cheese Cold Storage: Operate the block cooler and palletizer; verify metal detector operation; obtain proper sample blocks; use ADC scan gun.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Previous food production or manufacturing experience desired.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word; knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., NAV) is preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork orientation.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a food manufacturing plant environment.
• Must be certified to operate a forklift.
• Must be able to stand for a full shift.
• Regularly and frequently handle 40-pound blocks of cheese and 40-pound bags of salt.
• Occasional lifting of supplies, moving tools, and equipment (up to 55 pounds).
• Standing, raising, and lowering up to 55 pounds from waist to/from a height of 60 inches.
• Lifting and carrying 55 pounds from floor to waist height for 6 feet.
• Standing, raising, and lowering 55 pounds from/to floor to waist.

Schedule

Varied schedule with rotating days off, including days, swing shifts, or graveyard shifts as needed, as well as weekends and holidays.

Benefits

Industry-leading benefit and reward programs. Tillamook is committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued, and feel a sense of belonging.