Dairy Machine Operator Trainee - 3rd shift

Lactalis American Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards Program

Paid Time Off from Day One

Education Reimbursement

Retirement Plans

Insurance Coverage

Job summary

Lactalis USA in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Dairy Machine Operator Trainee to learn and run our cheese production line. You’ll operate and sanitize equipment, follow GMPs, and contribute to daily production in a fast-paced dairy environment.

Weekend work is required and training is provided; career growth through our Total Rewards program and ongoing education reimbursement.

Candidate should have HS diploma; dairy experience preferred; Associates in dairy science or chemistry is a plus.

Qualifications

• Basic mathematical skills; able to calculate averages.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Start up, operate, and clean multiple cheese production machines.
• Monitor processing indicators: time, temperature, pH, moisture, and weight.
• Maintain production in a continuous flow operation.
• Complete daily production and sanitation paperwork accurately.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and Good Sanitation Practices.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Mozzarella Production Supervisor.
• Work efficiently and safely to produce a high-quality product.

Skills

Math skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Associates Dairy Science/chemistry

High School Diploma

Dairy experience

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go‑Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours:

LACTALIS USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Dairy Machine Operator Trainee based in Buffalo, NY.

Weekend work is required and days off are during the week.

Summary

Responsible for running and cleaning multiple pieces of equipment which include the cheese molders, cooker, DMC and brine system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ability to start-up, maintain sanitation, perform CIP, shutdown and operate machinery. Also to include troubleshooting machinery when needed.
2. Monitors key processing indicators such as time, temperature, pH, moisture and weight.
3. Maintains production in a continuous flow operation.
4. Will be in control of daily production and sanitation paperwork; filling it out properly and making comments of any non‑compliance results.
5. Ensures Food Safety and Security as required per the Plant’s GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GSP (Good Sanitation Practices) Policy and Procedures.
6. Performs other work duties as requested by the Mozzarella Production Supervisor.
7. Responsible for working efficiently and safely to produce a high quality product.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Basic mathematical skills are required (must be able to calculate averages).
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work required.
• Strong communication abilities, written and verbal.

Education and/or Experience

• Associates Degree Dairy Science/chemistry preferred.
• High School Diploma Required.
• Dairy Experience Preferred.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affimative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.