2nd shift Utility Production Team Member

Open Gate Business Development; Kalona (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Gates Group is seeking a 2nd shift Utility Production Team Member to support a variety of production operations in its food manufacturing facilities. The role is cross-functional and requires flexibility to work across multiple areas and shifts, with standard hours 11am–7pm Monday–Friday and rotating weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities include operating production equipment to meet GMP and food safety standards, reviewing schedules, inspecting equipment, recording processing data, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to read, record, and communicate data in English.
• Flexible schedule, including overtime and varying shifts as needed.
• Ability to lift and move up to 55 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment to produce safe, high-quality food products in compliance with GMP and food safety standards.
• Review daily production schedules and instructions before start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cleanliness, damage, or potential contamination risks.
• Monitor and record processing data (e.g., temperature, pH, agitation, acidity)
• Rotate across production areas and tasks as needed.
• Support equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Perform sanitation and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Meet production targets and processing rates.
• Assist in training and mentoring new team members.
• Support milk receiving operations, including separation and related tasks, as needed.
• Perform documented Quality Tests on the raw milk in accordance with regulatory guidelines before unloading.
• Track milk receiving loads and record results.
• Assist with internal product transfers and wastewater hauling as required.
• Follow all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Data recording

English comprehension

Safety conscious

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The 2nd shift Utility Production Team Member supports a variety of production operations within Open Gates Group’s food manufacturing facilities. This role is highly cross-functional, requiring flexibility to work across multiple areas and shifts based on business needs. Facilities operate 24 hours per day, 6-7 days per week. Typical shift hours are Monday-Friday, 11am to 7pm. Rotational weekend and holiday hours are required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate production equipment to produce safe, high-quality food products in compliance with GMP and food safety standards.
• Review daily production schedules and instructions before start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cleanliness, damage, or potential contamination risks.
• Monitor and record processing data (e.g., temperature, pH, agitation, acidity)
• Rotate across production areas and tasks as needed.
• Support equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Perform sanitation and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Meet production targets and processing rates.
• Assist in training and mentoring new team members.
• Support milk receiving operations, including separation and related tasks, as needed.
• Perform documented Quality Tests on the raw milk in accordance with regulatory guidelines before unloading.
• Track milk receiving loads and record results.
• Assist with internal product transfers and wastewater hauling as required.
• Follow all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to read, record, and communicate data in English.
• Flexible schedule, including overtime and varying shifts as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required; Ability to receive CDL-A with tanker endorsement preferred.
• Ability to lift and move up to 55 lbs regularly.
• Capable of extended physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with all PPE and GMP requirements.
• Positive attitude with a high level of integrity and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet floors, temperature variation, noise, and moving equipment.
• Regular exposure to food allergens and cleaning/sanitation chemicals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Required adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards necessary for a food manufacturing environment, such as wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and no facial piercings.
• Must be able to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.