PRODUCTION CLASS 1 OPERATOR

Department: Production | Reports To: Shift Supervisor | FLSA: Non‑Exempt | Location: Arena, WI | Shift: 2 pm‑10 pm, Monday‑Friday

Position Summary

Assist production supervisor in various daily activities, ranging from, but not limited to promoting labor efficiency, championing quality and sanitary objectives while supporting training needs as required. Responsible for performing required duties related to assigned area(s).

Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor milk/cheese processing quality, consistency, and ensure company quality and safety standards (moisture, temperature, etc.).
• Ensure all required documentation and shift forms are properly completed (process charts, logs, cheese vat time schedule, etc.) and track/report all shift inventory usage (MRP/ASC Track) to proper personnel.
• Set up and run production equipment such as pasteurizer, filler, flipper and demolder in the assigned production areas.
• Report all product abnormalities as well as any equipment or material issues to management immediately.
• Maintain proper machine functioning, perform some troubleshooting and cleaning of the machines, and conduct CIP as required.

Key Activities – Packaging

• Operate and set up packing machine with correct settings, film, material, labels, etc.
• Ensure proper package seal.
• Operate company‑specified food safety check points.
• Perform any other activity as directed by supervisor.

Key Activities – Processing

• Operate and be knowledgeable of the pasteurizer & homogenizer.
• Set temperature according to pasteurizer milk ordinance (PMO) and company procedures.
• Apply CIP procedures.
• Fill and explain process charts, maintain & update them daily, and enter receiving information into Excel.
• Add components as required by company procedures.
• Perform any other activity as directed by supervisor.

Key Activities – Forming

• Operate and ensure proper use & configuration of V‑Meg and mixer according to product schedule.
• Add components as required by company procedures.
• Monitor moisture according to company procedures.
• Perform any other activity as directed by supervisor.

Key Activities – Shipping and Receiving

• Monitor, check, and receive milk and cream deliveries using proper safety and receiving procedures.
• Perform antibiotic test and prepare milk according to product schedule.
• Follow company procedures for counting all incoming and outgoing shipments (ASC, Bill of Lading, etc.).
• Check chemical inventory and order chemicals for sanitization as required.
• Fill, explain, maintain & update charts daily and enter receiving information into Excel.
• Apply CIP procedures.
• Add components as required by company procedures.
• Perform any other activity as directed by supervisor.

Key Activities – All Areas

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, drivers, employees, quality assurance, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot production machinery.
• Operate handheld scanner.
• Read, document, and control product within company/customer specifications.
• Comply with all Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Follow GMPs, sanitation procedures, and SOPs as set forth by the company.
• Take product samples as required.

Skills Required

• Ability to lead a group and make decisions.
• Basic math skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Conversational Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work in class V, IV, III & II environments.
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions in English/Spanish.
• Chemical handling training if assigned to an area requiring it.
• Forklift certification if assigned to an area requiring forklift use.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Food manufacturing environment with strict adherence to food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards, including required PPE.
• Variable temperatures, machinery noise, and exposure to food ingredients and sanitation chemicals.
• Standing or walking for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks.
• Regularly lifting up to 25–35 pounds (occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.