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Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery · Menomonie, WI · 1 wk ago
On-siteManagement$27/hrFull-time

About the role

Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and become part of a team producing award-winning cheese while building a rewarding career in the dairy industry. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, training, and opportunities for advancement.

Pay

  • Starting pay of $27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
  • $2.00 per hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM
  • Pay increase after 120 days

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
  • Training, cross-training and career advancement opportunities

Schedule

  • 1st Shift: 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
  • Wednesday off
  • No regularly scheduled weekends; overtime may be available or required as needed

Position Summary

The Licensed Cheesemaker is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of cheese manufacturing, brining, whey, and related production processes. This role requires knowledge of the cheesemaking process, including coagulation, ripening, cutting, cooking, and end-stir phases, as well as proper ingredient use and timing. The Cheesemaker helps ensure product quality, food safety, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and efficient production while supporting a positive, team-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain a current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License
  • Operate cheese vats, HTST, UF, whey, brining, pumps, and related production equipment
  • Follow cheesemaking formulas, ingredient requirements, and production procedures
  • Start, operate, monitor, shut down, and CIP production equipment
  • Accurately record and communicate production data
  • Monitor product quality and process conditions and make adjustments as needed
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work area in accordance with GMPs and food safety requirements
  • Follow USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, OSHA, and company requirements
  • Assist with training and mentoring employees on cheesemaking, safety, sanitation, and equipment operation
  • Communicate effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other departments
  • Promote a safe, efficient, and team-oriented workplace
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License required
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred; relevant dairy or food manufacturing experience considered
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, formulas, and procedures
  • Ability to understand, speak, read, and write English sufficiently to safely perform job duties and complete required documentation
  • Strong communication and attention-to-detail skills
  • Basic computer skills preferred; training provided
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Commitment to food safety, workplace safety, sanitation, and quality
  • Dependable, punctual, and responsible

Physical Demands

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and carrying 50+ pounds repetitively, and frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and climbing stairs. Employees may work around heat, cold, water, cleaning chemicals, wet surfaces, production equipment, and noise and must be able to wear required PPE.

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in a food manufacturing and dairy processing plant. Employees must follow all company safety, food safety, GMP, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and may work in varying temperatures and wet or slippery conditions.

Pre-Employment Requirements

  • Drug and alcohol screening
  • General background check

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