Intake Operator CC

About the role

The Intake Operator plays a critical role in ensuring raw milk integrity, food safety, and overall product quality. This role involves operating intake systems, performing quality checks, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring all milk handling equipment and receiving areas are properly cleaned and sanitized in accordance with regulatory and company standards.

Responsibilities

• Milk Receiving Operations:
  • Receives and unloads incoming raw milk deliveries from tankers following company procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Performs proper sampling techniques for antibiotic testing.
  • Verifies milk volumes and temperatures and performs standard quality tests (titratable acidity, odor, appearance).
  • Connects and disconnects transfer hoses and operates valves, pumps, and intake systems safely and correctly.
  • Maintains accurate receiving records, logs, and documentation for traceability and regulatory compliance.
  • Communicates any abnormalities in milk quality or delivery issues to the Production Supervisor or Quality team.
  • Reports equipment or process issues to the Maintenance Department and supports troubleshooting efforts to minimize downtime.
  • Schedules and maintains proper silo rotation and usage of milk.
• Sanitation & Cleanliness:
  • Performs daily cleaning and sanitizing of milk intake equipment, silos, hoses, tankers, valves, and receiving areas using Clean-In-Place (CIP) and manual methods.
  • Follows strict sanitation protocols to prevent contamination, including pre-operational and post-operational cleaning routines.
  • Uses approved cleaning chemicals and ensures correct concentrations and contact times are maintained.
  • Conducts and documents sanitation inspections and supports pre-operational inspections and audits.
  • Tracks inventory of supplies to be used in the Intake area and places orders with the supervisor.
• Food Safety & Compliance:
  • Oversees all aspects of the Intake lab antibiotic testing equipment.
  • Follows procedures for handling and documenting positive antibiotic milk loads.
  • Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines, and company food safety policies.
  • Wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follows hygiene standards to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Reports any deviations, potential contamination risks, or equipment malfunctions immediately.
  • Trains and internally certifies other Intake Operators for antibiotic testing and Intake Operations.
  • Complies with all company Safety, HACCP and GMP policies.
  • Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making: Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension: Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness: Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation: Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

Direct Reports

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED). 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
• Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Alignment with Company Values, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Decision Making, Effective Communication, Reading and Comprehension, Resourcefulness, Self-Motivation, and Teamwork.

Certifications

• Industry Supervisor Certification for antibiotic testing
• Bulk Milk Weigher / Sampler License

Additional Information

Work Location: This is an onsite position located at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA. Travel Requirements: Little to no travel required for this role.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member frequently is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The Team Member must be able to enter the inside of a tank truck through a manhole on the top of the truck tank. The Team Member is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Furthermore, the Team Member often works in confined or restrictive work areas and is often exposed to truck fumes along with other forms of exhaust while working in the Intake Bay. The Team Member is always exposed to various hazards in a typical workday. These hazards can include moving mechanical parts, toxic and/or caustic chemicals used for cleaning and working on top of milk trucks that enter the Intake Bay. Due to the usually loud noise levels, ear protection may be required.

Pay Range for this opportunity is $24 to $30 per hour. Starting pay is based on job-related knowledge/skills, and relevant experience.