1st Shift Production Operator - Aged Cheese

Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Vermont; On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is seeking an Aged Cheese Production Worker to oversee affinage and aging for multiple cheese varieties. The role involves managing drying rooms, handling formed products, and preparing items for final packaging while following GMPs, safety and quality programs.

Location: Websterville, VT. Pay starts at $21.25 per hour with a multi‑part signing bonus; hours Tue-Fri 6am-230pm and Sat 8am-430pm. Comprehensive benefits are offered as part of a competitive package.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older to meet safety and labor requirements.
• Basic computer skills to perform simple digital tasks.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up and dismantle machines, clean and sanitize before and after use.
• Coordinate with cheesemakers to ensure smooth production flow.
• Monitor machinery, detect malfunctions, and adjust as needed.
• Record weights, pH, temperature and moisture; control the process.
• Complete draining, forming steps and maintain quality paperwork.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and adherence to SOPs and GMPs.

Skills

18 years or older

Basic computer skills

Reading & writing

Job description

Job Summary

Under direction of the Creamery Supervisor and other Aged Cheese leadership staff, the Aged Cheese Production Worker is responsible for the affinage and aging process for a variety of Aged Cheese products. Duties include overseeing the drying rooms and working with formed products, preparing them for the finished product stage and packaging, while following company procedures, GMPs, Safety, and Quality programs.

Job Summary

Under direction of the Creamery Supervisor and other Aged Cheese leadership staff, the Aged Cheese Production Worker is responsible for the affinage and aging process for a variety of Aged Cheese products. Duties include overseeing the drying rooms and working with formed products, preparing them for the finished product stage and packaging, while following company procedures, GMPs, Safety, and Quality programs.

Location: Websterville, VT (Barre)

Pay: Starting at $21.25 per hour

Hiring Bonus: $2000.00 - $500.00 at 30 days $750.00 at 60 days and $750.00 at 1 year.

Hours: Tuesday Thru Friday 6am-230pm Saturday 8am-430pm

Land O’Lakes, Inc offers a competitive salary and bonus potential. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package as well as other company sponsored benefits.

Required Qualifications & Experiences

• 18 years or older.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions, and possess basic mathematical skills

Preferred Qualifications & Experiences

• 1+ years of continuous prior experience in any industry.
• Self-Reliant and able to accurately work under limited supervision.
• Must be attentive to detail and have good organizational skills.
• Able to trouble shoot mechanical problems.
• Customer focused and able to work in a collaborative team.
• Ability to follow manufacturer’s specifications and directions.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Work in cold and/or hot temperatures throughout the day.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Sets-up and dismantles machines, cleans, and sanitizes prior and after using.
• Coordinates with cheesemakers.
• Makes sure machinery runs efficiently and detects malfunctions when they occur.
• Completes all steps in the draining and forming process.
• Controls the product weight, takes frequent measurements, and adjusts machinery or technique accordingly.
• Takes pH, temperature, moisture on product to control the process.
• Completes cleaning/sanitizing according to schedule and necessity.
• Completes all quality and accounting paperwork.
• Prepares ingredients, records lot # on make sheet and/or accounting sheet.
• Assembles pipes, connects vats, pumps, and other equipment based on process.
• Performs environmental cleaning following company Quality Plan.
• Collects samples for Quality Assurance, as needed.
• Communicates regularly with other departments on specific work processes.
• Report issues and progress to the Quality Assurance Manager, Creamery Manager or Creamery Supervisor.
• Make sure that the cleaning is completed, and work area is tidy before leaving.
• Ensure a safe working environment while performing assigned tasks.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Follow all procedures, GMPs, Safety, Quality, and Sanitation plans.
• Identify and report all potentially non-conforming product and equipment to Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Department.
• Ability to be flexible in work performed and schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Frequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements.
• Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment.
• Working across temperature zones that may include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include work in environments where dust is present.
• Shift schedules that include days, nights, and weekends, some holidays and periodic overtime.

Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.