Packaging Operator (Whey/Days)

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has 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 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, which unite our people and guide all that we do.

About the role

A typical day as a Protein Packaging Operator involves operating the Packaging process and associated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging systems to ensure adequately sealed and properly filled bags and totes.
• Maintain accurate and complete paperwork.
• Learn and operate computer-related controls.
• Improve knowledge and understanding of all dryer process equipment and protein in general.
• Maintain and monitor all QC and production programs per HCC standards.
• Maintain equipment and work environment cleanliness.
• Ensure proper product handling to minimize product loss.
• Follow GMP guidelines and all company policies as outlined in the employee handbook.
• Actively participate in your training and development program, including activities, classes, and events held before, during, after shifts, and on scheduled days off.
• Help coach and train teammates, and participate in on-the-job and buddy training.
• Prioritize food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. Report any food safety incidents, observations, or opportunities to leadership or teammates, and participate in root cause analysis and improvement activities when required.
• Prioritize safety above all other job duties by maintaining a safety-first approach at all times, reporting any safety issues or observations, and following up as needed.

Requirements

• Proficient English skills to understand, read, write, and speak.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work 12-hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution (preferred).
• SAP experience (preferred).
• Dairy manufacturing experience (preferred).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
• Physically capable of working in any of the job tasks within the cheese plant.
• Work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Perform pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling, grasping, twisting/turning, and repetitive bending.

Food safety is a companywide responsibility, and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high-quality products. This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.