Evaporator Operator II

agropur; Le Sueur (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) with company contributions

PTO from day 1

Tuition Reimbursement

Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

Job summary

Agropur is hiring an Evaporator Operator II to safely run the whey evaporation line and related equipment. You will document operations, monitor parameters, and follow GMP/SOP/HACCP procedures to ensure product quality.

The role requires teamwork, strong attention to detail, and basic math/computer skills. Training is provided, with opportunities for progression and benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience required; in-house training provided.
• Communicate well both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Ability to read, understand, and adhere to documents and procedures (GLP, SOP, SDS, GMP, test procedures, and HACCP).
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Basic math skills.
• Basic computer skills; input and retrieve computerized information.
• Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and required documentation.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate sound decision-making in line with policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate daily operations and cleaning of equipment associated with the whey evaporator.
• Complete all documentation accurately and timely.
• Follow GMP, SOP and HACCP programs.
• Monitor processes, materials or surroundings and record readings.
• Identify changes or deviations and respond appropriately.
• Perform operator-level maintenance when needed.
• Adhere to QA policies and report food safety issues.
• Follow startup procedures for equipment.
• Monitor whey flow and evaporator process from raw to drying.
• Adjust factors like whey solids and temperatures as needed.
• Log multiple readings and operate CIP cycles.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Maintain safety and sanitation of the evaporator department.
• Assist coworkers with training and duties.
• Follow safety protocols and report hazards.
• This list may expand as needed by management.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Numerical skills

Documentation literacy

Teamwork

Time management

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: Regular

The Evaporator Operator II is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of various equipment and machinery related to the separation/evaporation process, ensuring optimum daily performance.

People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone's impact truly matters.

We believe that teamwork-collaborating and sharing perspectives-is essential to achieving the best results.

An environment where collaboration is encouraged and valued:

• Starting rate $27.90/HR
• Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00
• 2,2,3 Schedule | 5:45AM - 6PM
• Double time pay on Sunday
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions
• PTO starting Day 1
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Discounts
• Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

How you will contribute to collective success:

• Perform daily operations and cleaning of equipment associated with the whey evaporator.
• Complete all documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• Follow all GMP, SOP and HACCP programs.
• Monitor processes, materials or surroundings and review information by telephone, in written form or in person.
• Identify information by categorizing, estimating and recognizing changes or deviations in circumstances and/or events.
• Perform operator level maintenance when needed.
• Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management.
• Follow complicated startup procedure of equipment.
• Monitor raw whey flow into balance tank, through pasteurizer and to evaporator for condensing and then ultimately to a crystallizer tank for drying into Whey Powder production.
• Regulate factors such as whey solids and temperature and make adjustments depending on the type of whey to be produced.
• Take frequent readings and log upwards of fifty variables.
• Operate Clean-In-Place (CIP) cycles.
• Troubleshoot and maintenance of machinery.
• Clean and sanitize all parts of Whey Evaporator department including walls, floors, and equipment.
• Assist all other coworkers with training, tasks and duties within the department.
• Safety and efficiently operate the following equipment/machinery:
• Whey pre-draw tanks.
• Clarifer.
• Fine saver.
• Whey Separator.
• Salt Whey Separator.
• WPC Evaporator.
• Lactose Permeate Evaporator.
• Responsible for whey cream heat treatment.
• Responsible for the whey decolorizing process.
• Unload chemical trucks.
• Load product trucks.
• Responsible for evaporation of lactose permeate to 40% and 60% solids.
• This position may involve operation of a Critical Control Point as determined by the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on equipment as needed.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Safety Protocol
• Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

The type of team player who fits in:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience required; in-house training provided.
• Communicate well both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Ability to read, understand, and adhere to documents and procedures (GLP, SOP, SDS, GMP, test procedures, and HACCP).
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
• Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and complete required documentation.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Decisions administered soundly and consistently with policies and in compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment.
• Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate kn