Production Specialist - Block 1 - Ricotta Packaging

About the Role

Production Specialists at Grande Cheese Company include the positions of Dairy Production, Packaging, Equipment Operators, Intake, and Receiving & Inventory/Warehouse. Individuals in these roles perform processes involved in cheese/whey manufacturing, processing, and/or distribution, ensuring product is produced and delivered according to company specifications, quality, and safety objectives. Grande operates in a High Performance Work Team (HPWT) structure, empowering Associates to develop their knowledge and skills through a Skill Block model.

Schedule

6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, following a 2/2/3 rotation schedule.

Pay

Starting at $22.25 per hour. Additional premiums include:

• $3 night shift premium (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM)
• $2.25 weekend shift premium (Saturday and Sunday shifts)

Responsibilities

Dairy Production

• Carry out production duties from preparatory to critical stage processes, including loading/unloading, setup and monitoring of equipment, stirring/mixing, cooking, testing, analyzing, inspecting, and final preparation.
• Setup, monitor, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment to ensure effective operation, making adjustments for weight, temperature, time, and sensory changes.
• Ensure production runs efficiently and processes comply with Grande and regulatory standards.

Packaging

• Operate packaging equipment to ensure continuous product flow across multiple product lines.
• Monitor proper positioning, spacing, sealing, and correct codes/labels; make timely corrections to prevent issues.
• Perform visual inspections for defects; rework or discard defective products based on procedures.
• Setup, calibrate, adjust, troubleshoot, and perform general maintenance on packaging equipment.

Equipment Operations

• Operate, inspect, calibrate, adjust, and troubleshoot dairy manufacturing equipment; perform preventive/general maintenance.
• Monitor instruments and equipment to ensure correct process flow and production efficiency.
• Perform sampling and testing for temperatures, moisture, consistency, fat, protein, pH, etc.; record data appropriately.

Intake

• Coordinate unloading of milk from trucks and transfer to proper storage while following Grande and regulatory procedures.
• Prioritize unloading trailers to prevent expired milk; ensure operation of critical control points (CCP).
• Verify seals, wash tags, and weights from farm pick-up slips to ensure milk integrity.
• Agitate milk, collect samples for quality testing and payments, and load out cream, whey, and milk for processing.
• Monitor equipment, temperatures, and sanitation; maintain inventory and order supplies (e.g., seals, filters, starter).
• Operate, inspect, and troubleshoot intake equipment; perform general maintenance.

Receiving & Inventory/Warehouse

• Handle receiving of materials from approved suppliers; inspect trailers for damage, contaminants, proper temperature, and pests.
• Unload and inspect incoming materials for accuracy; ensure proper placement and accounting.
• Assist packaging operations with pallet preparation for transfer and storage; coordinate internal transfers with other facilities.
• Coordinate packaging, shipment, and return of defective/damaged materials; communicate issues with packing materials.
• Analyze and optimize physical storage locations for efficiency and proximity to point of use.
• Utilize FIFO procedures to track product movement accurately; receive and store chemicals according to HAACP/FIFO and MSDS requirements.
• Operate forklifts; perform inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance on forklifts, hand carts, and racking.
• Conduct cycle counting of materials/supplies; log discrepancies, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with supplier-related questions regarding service, delivery times, or quality issues.

Additional Duties (All Roles)

• Sanitation:
  • Sanitize production areas and equipment (vats, conveyors, machines, tanks, pipes, fans, silos, hoses, etc.).
  • Dismantle, clean, scrub, foam, power wash, rinse, sanitize, de-scale, de-mineralize, and reassemble equipment.
  • Maintain clean working areas by sanitizing walls, floors, windows, sinks, scales, drains, footbaths, and electrical panels.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety:
  • Complete required documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting for regulatory agencies (DNR, DOL, EEOC, FDA, IMS, OSHA, SQF, USDA, WDA).
  • Follow all safety (food and workplace) policies and procedures.
• Complete paperwork, logs, and data entry in systems (ERP, Scanworx, PowerApp, D365).
• Understand processes and make independent decisions affecting product quality.
• Follow company policies and procedures; assist in training new Associates.
• Provide back-up relief as needed; offer recommendations for quality, safety, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Obtain and renew required licenses/certifications in a timely manner.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Prior related work experience and/or training in a food manufacturing organization is preferred.

Skills

• Math, reading, and writing skills.
• Ability to comprehend and follow technical instructions, policies, and procedures in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Computer skills.