Dairy Production Team Members- 1st and 2nd Shifts

Farmers Creamery; Wellman (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Gates Group in Kalona, IA, is hiring Dairy Production Team Members to support milk and cream processing, pasteurizing, bottling, and packaging. You will set up and operate production equipment, monitor production rates, and help ensure product quality and safety.

Team members rotate through tasks, cross-train to support multiple production roles, and follow GMPs, hygiene and food safety standards. A High School diploma or GED is required; dairy or food manufacturing experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED and be able to follow written instructions.
• Ability to work safely and maintain food-grade hygiene standards.
• Must be able to cross-train and work in multiple production roles.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate dairy processing, pasteurizing, and bottling equipment.
• Monitor production activities to meet processing rates and quality standards.
• Bottle, fill, and package finished products accurately and efficiently.
• Assist with equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdowns.
• Clean and sanitize production equipment using cleaning systems.
• Follow GMPs, hygiene, safety guidelines, and company procedures.
• Rotate through production tasks and support other facilities as needed.
• Learn and use required production technology and equipment.
• Perform other production-related duties as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

English communication

Safety consciousness

Adaptability

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our organic milk is uniquely special: it comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, is pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, is non-homogenized, and is verified regenerative through Land to Market, which means our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment rather than harming it.

SUMMARY

We’re hiring multiple Dairy Production Team Members to support milk and cream processing, pasteurizing, and bottling operations. In this hands-on role, you’ll set up and operate production equipment, bottle and package finished products, and clean and sanitize equipment. Team members rotate through tasks and cross-train to support production needs while maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, and efficiency.

Typical Schedule:

1st shift: Monday-Friday, 6am- 2pm

2nd shift: Sunday-Thursday, 2pm-10pm, Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate dairy processing, pasteurizing, and bottling equipment.
• Monitor production activities to meet established processing rates and product quality standards.
• Bottle, fill, and package finished products accurately and efficiently.
• Assist with equipment start-up, product changeovers, and shutdown.
• Clean and sanitize production equipment using manual and automated cleaning systems.
• Follow food safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), workplace safety guidelines, and company procedures.
• Rotate through production tasks and cross-train to support team members and production needs at other facilities.
• Learn and use required production technology and equipment.
• Perform other production-related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles.
• Ability to follow written instructions and accurately record instrument data in English.
• Strong attention to detail with clear verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.
• Ability to adhere to all safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing requirements.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Positive attitude, high integrity, and alignment with OG’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.

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.
• 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.