Butter Operator CC

Rumiano Cheese Corporation; Crescent City (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Sartori Company seeks a Butter Operator at Crescent City Creamery in Crescent City, CA. The role operates butter churns, manages cream handling, and packages finished butter while maintaining strict sanitation and GMP standards.

Requires a high school diploma or GED and 2–3 years in food manufacturing. Forklift certification and strong attention to detail, teamwork, and safety are essential. Pay ranges $24–$30 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (GED) is preferred.
• 2–3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
• Forklift certification (will train internally).

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors butter churn equipment in accordance with production specifications.
• Measures and loads cream into the churn; monitors temperature, timing, and butterfat levels.
• Adjusts churn settings based on product specifications and production schedules.
• Meters ingredients into the churning process based on product recipes.
• Performs in-process quality checks to ensure butter texture, color, and consistency meet standards.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Self-Motivation

Teamwork

Effective Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency (GED)

Tools

Forklift Certification

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The Butter Operator plays an essential role in cream handling, production, and packaging. This position is responsible for operating the butter churns, monitoring the churning process, packaging finished butter products, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Key responsibilities include accurately salting and transferring products from the churn to the packaging line, primary packaging of finished butter, case packing and palletizing finished goods, ensuring proper date and lot codes are applied, and documenting key production parameters. In addition to production tasks, the Butter Operator is responsible for maintaining strict sanitation practices to uphold food safety and product quality standards. The role requires close attention to detail and adherence to food safety and quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Churning & Production Operations

• Operates and monitors butter churn equipment in accordance with production specifications.
• Measures and loads cream into the churn; monitors temperature, timing, and butterfat levels.
• Adjusts churn settings based on product specifications and production schedules.
• Meters ingredients into the churning process based on product recipes.
• Performs in-process quality checks to ensure butter texture, color, and consistency meet standards.

Packaging

• Operates butter packaging machines and manually packs butter into cartons or containers.
• Labels and codes finished product according to company, customer, and regulatory standards.
• Palletizes and prepares products for cold storage or shipment.
• Tracks production quantities and completes batch records accurately.
• Conducts pre-operational inspections and sanitizes butter production and related equipment.
• Performs thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment, tables, and work areas during and after production.
• Follows all sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) procedures.
• Conducts routine inspections of equipment and work surfaces for cleanliness and compliance.
• Handles cleaning chemicals safely and maintains appropriate chemical concentrations for effective sanitation.
• Supports pre-operational and post-operational sanitation checks to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Participates in audits and inspections related to sanitation and Good Manufacturing Procedure (GMP) compliance.

Safety & Compliance:

• Trains team members on standard operating procedures, safety practices, and quality protocols to ensure consistent performance.
• Complies with all company policies related to safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), GMP, and food quality; immediately reports any concerns to appropriate personnel.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company's culture. Sartori's core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making: Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension: Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness: Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation: Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Forklift Certification (will train internally).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION:

This is an onsite position located at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Little to no travel is required for this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel, and push and/or pull. The Team Member frequently is required to talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The Team Member must occasionally lift 55 lb. salt bags and/or chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is consistently exposed to extreme, non-weather-related heat, up to 100 degrees while working with product flow as well as exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and occasional exposure to outside weather. The Team Member regularly works with chemicals used for cleaning along with moving pumps and valves. Due to the loud noise level, ear protection may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational, and business needs as necessary.

Pay Range for this opportunity is $24 to $30 per hour. Starting pay is based on job-related knowledge/skills, and relevant experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.