Starter Operator - 1st Shift - WM

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produces bulk starter according to plant work instructions.
• Maintains accurate starter documentation.
• Uses CIP system and manual cleaning to maintain starter room sanitation, according to the master sanitation schedule.
• Cleans the pasteurizer, separator, cream pump and cream line following plant work instructions.
• Manually cleans all non-CIP components in the pasteurizer and separator area.
• Maintains inventory of starter ingredients and starter freezers.
• Cross trained as vat operator. Operates cheese making vats and related equipment.
• Contributes to cheese making process with decision making and monitoring.
• Relieves the first shift cheesemaker to complete the day’s production.
• Aids in the table area with cheese making and break relief.
• Anticipates needs, organizes duties, troubleshoots, and problem solves.
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required (GED).
• 1-3 years cheese making experience or 3-5 years food manufacturing experience desirable.
• Knowledge of operator interfaces to operate automated equipment.
• Good computer and mechanical skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, safety instructions and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other Team Members of the organization.
• Ability to read and interpret recording charts.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in several units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to weigh ingredients in pounds and to measure liquid in ounces and gallons.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or chart form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is often exposed to extreme, non-weather related heat, wet and/or humid conditions as well as occasional exposure to extreme, non-weather related cold.
• The Team Member is regularly exposed to hazards which include moving mechanical parts such as pumps, valves and equipment used in operations as well as toxic and/or caustic chemical used for cleaning.
• Due to the usually loud noise levels, ear protection may be required.