Separator Operator

Location: Main Plant, Jerome, ID | Reports to: Production Supervisor | Employment: Full‑time, Non‑exempt | Shift: Night Shift | Openings: 1

About the role

The Separator Operator plays an essential role within our dynamic production team. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of all production lines and equipment, along with strong problem‑solving abilities to enhance system efficiencies. The operator is responsible for the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of the separator to ensure optimal performance and consistent product quality. This role also involves collaborating with the Production Supervisor to mentor and train team members, while maintaining excellent verbal and written communication skills. The Separator Operator ensures timely, accurate, and complete documentation to uphold Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation standards, and performance metrics. Together, we foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Completes pre‑operational checks on all equipment before starting a process.
• Checks components of raw materials and finished product in accordance with published SOP’s.
• Reviews department and system performances daily.
• Offers ideas and suggestions on how to improve the quality of the product or process.
• Follows published SSOP’s for equipment and processes.
• Collects all samples in accordance with SOP’s.
• Completes all work instructions, production log sheets, and sanitation log sheets accurately and in a timely manner.
• Operates equipment in accordance with SOP’s.
• Makes corrections based on system outputs and operational data.
• Monitors and documents chemical additions and consumption compared to standards.
• Informs supervisor of any issues or concerns.
• Verifies CIP systems performance.
• Arrives for work on time and ready to help operate the business successfully.
• Starts, operates, and cleans process and equipment in accordance with the production plan.
• Offers ideas and suggestions on “How to Improve” the process and System SOP’s, SSOP’s and Sanitation Program.
• Complies with all OSHA and plant published safety regulations.
• Submits ideas and suggestions on how to improve safety.
• Communicates safety issues and concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Participates as a member of the team and treats others in like manner.
• Supports greater employee involvement and actively participates in operating the shift.
• Utilizes shift pass‑down meetings and plant meetings to communicate ideas and suggestions for improving plant operations.
• Learns new concepts, accepts and embraces change.
• Prepares for your employee review.
• Completes other projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Experience: Production plant environment experience a plus; prior experience in a dairy or food manufacturing environment preferred; industrial production operator experience a plus.
• Skills: Team oriented; able to support others while achieving goals; good written and verbal communication skills; strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of food safety standards.
• Physical Requirements: Excessive ascending/descending of ladders and stairs (rare); body agility emphasized; walking regularly; stooping regularly; reaching; pushing; pulling; kneeling occasionally; crouching; lifting up to 15 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs occasionally; talking (expressing ideas); subject to up to at least 92 dB; subject to extreme heat (>100 °F).
• Equipment Operated: Separators/HTST, bagging and bulk bagging equipment, palletizer, scales, CIP systems, miscellaneous manufacturing equipment, forklift, hand tools, lifts; personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, analytical equipment, phone, etc.

Benefits

• Medical