Separator and Clarifier Operator (Protein, Nights)

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.

About the role

A typical day for the Separator and Clarifier Operator includes running and maintaining clarifiers and fines equipment, completing and maintaining all documentation and inspections as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the correct operation and follow all procedures for assigned equipment.
• Identify flows from cheese vats to packaging, including whey routing from SCM into the Clarifier Room.
• Troubleshoot and communicate any plant issues with related equipment and/or processes.
• Understand and maintain the operation and sanitation of all typical day equipment, including CIP (Clean In Place) systems, COP (Clean Out of Place) systems, Operator Based Maintenance, and pre- and post-CIP inspections.
• Perform all in-process sampling as assigned.
• Notify and communicate with management and maintenance about any problems with equipment or processes that could affect safety, food safety, or quality.
• Learn and operate computer-related processes and controls.
• Responsible for proper product safe handling and reforming procedures.
• Actively participate in and take ownership of your training and development program, including associated 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.
• Place high priority on food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. This includes communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates, as well as participating in food safety and sanitation root cause analysis and improvement activities when required.
• Prioritize safety above all other job duties by maintaining a safety-first approach at all times, including reporting any safety issues, observations, or opportunities to your teams and following up.

Requirements

• Proficient English skills to understand, read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Basic computer skills.
• 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).
• Skilled in a level 1 or 2 role in Protein operations for at least 6 months (preferred).
• Active or past member of the department safety team (preferred).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• 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.
• Required to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.

Pay

Salary Range: USD 23.54 - 27.97 per hour.