Cheese Processor (Make Room) - 3rd Shift

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc.; Menomonie (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Career development

Wisconsin cheese tradition

Job summary

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc. is seeking a Cheese Processor to join our 4-day week team. You will monitor cheese production, operate tables and equipment, and help ensure quality and sanitation in a fast-paced dairy environment.

The role emphasizes learning multiple manufacturing positions, teamwork, and adherence to GMPs. Starting pay is $22.00/hour with a $2.00/hour shift differential for evening/night hours.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and record cheese pH and production information.
• Set up, operate, and change cheese tables and related equipment.
• Level, flip, and remove cheese from forms.
• Pump and manually place cheese into forms.
• Monitor production lines, tanks, starter measurements, and serum pumps.
• Operate brine room equipment and follow brining procedures.
• Rework cheese when needed; maintain production records.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas throughout the shift.
• Follow GMPs, food safety and company procedures.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments.
• Learn and support other manufacturing positions as needed.

Skills

Read and follow instructions

Teamwork

Detail oriented

English language

Lifting 50+ lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Enjoy a consistent 4-day workweek with no weekends and Wednesdays off!

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 10:00 PM–8:00 AM
Starting Pay: $22.00/hour

Shift Differential: Additional $2.00/hour for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Why Join Our Team?

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company-paid life insurance
• Opportunities to learn multiple manufacturing positions and advance your skills
• Be part of a team committed to quality, safety, and Wisconsin cheese-making tradition

Position Summary

As a Cheese Processor, you'll play an important role in the cheese-making process. You'll work with cheese throughout the manufacturing room, monitoring production, handling cheese, operating equipment, maintaining quality, and keeping the work area clean and sanitary.

What You'll Do

• Monitor and record cheese pH and production information
• Set up, operate, and change cheese tables and related equipment
• Level, flip, and remove cheese from forms
• Pump and manually place cheese into forms
• Monitor production lines, tanks, starter measurements, and serum pumps
• Operate brine room equipment and follow proper brining procedures
• Rework cheese when needed
• Maintain accurate production records
• Clean and sanitize equipment and work areas throughout the shift
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and company procedures
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments
• Learn and support other manufacturing positions as needed

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Willingness to learn and work in a food manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic computer skills preferred; training provided
• High school diploma/GED preferred; equivalent experience and industry knowledge considered
• Previous dairy or food manufacturing experience is a plus, but not required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repetitively
• Ability to stand for 8+ hours per shift
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and stair climbing
• Ability to work with and around food manufacturing equipment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position works in an active food manufacturing environment. Employees must follow all food safety, plant safety, sanitation, GMP, and PPE requirements.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and alcohol screening
• General background check

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees — you're family, and we want you to succeed. Our culture has contributed to the longevity of our team, with careers spanning 10, 20, and even 50 years.

We're proud of our Wisconsin cheese-making tradition and our commitment to producing quality products for our customers and cooperative members.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.