HTST Operator - 1st Shift

Maola Local Dairies; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Maola Local Dairies in Newport News, VA is seeking a HTST Operator for the 1st shift. You will supervise pasteurization and homogenization, follow HACCP/SOPs, and work under the Production Supervisor to ensure safety and product quality. Hours are 4:00am-12:30pm with overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Pay is $27.00 per hour. Requires a high school diploma; HTST experience preferred; ability to read schedules and gauges; strong math and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or international equivalent.
• Previous manufacturing or food processing experience preferred.
• Prior HTST systems/controls experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, thermometers, gauges, and flow meters.
• Basic math and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Batching and pasteurizing in the production of finished dairy goods.
• Closely monitor the dairy production process and follow SOPs; report deficiencies.
• Ensure pre-operational, start-up, and in-process monitoring per HACCP plan.
• Operate homogenizing and pasteurizing equipment and troubleshoot as needed.
• Follow batching schedules and use batch sheets as formulation source.
• Maintain compliance with GMP, food safety, and regulatory standards.
• Document system verification, prepare area paperwork and charts.
• Maintain sanitation of equipment and perform CIP/SIP and cleanings.

Skills

HTST systems/controls

Read production schedules

Education

High school diploma (GED)

Tools

Pasteurizer

Homogenizer

Job description

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following our Accessibility Accomodation for Applicants page.

HTST Operator - 1st Shift

• Posted on September 25, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Newport News, VA 23605, USA

• On-site
• Operations
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: HTSTO004687

Description

Detailed description

SHIFT: 1st

HOURS: 4:00am-12:30pm.Must be able to work overtime, weekends and holidays.

HOURLY PAY= $27.00 PER HOUR

Why you will love working at Maola®:

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer‑owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high‑quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well‑being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

SUMMARY

The HTST Operator is responsible for strictly adhering to all food safety, quality assurance, and GMP policies and procedures during processing. Under the supervision of the Production Supervisor, the HTST Operator will be responsible for ensuring all known pathogens are pasteurized and product is homogenized. This position is also responsible for running and maintaining pasteurizer and other related equipment within dairy production environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

• Responsible for batching and pasteurizing in the production of finished dairy goods.
• Closely monitor the dairy production process and follow Standard Operating Procedures for batching and processing products. Monitor fats, total solids, allergen, cryoscopy and other related items as they associate with processing dairy products; report any deficiencies.
• Ensure that all pre‑operational, system start‑up, and in‑process monitoring activities are completed in accordance with the HACCP Plan.
• Operate homogenizing and pasteurizing equipment, make adjustments when necessary, and perform troubleshooting with ability to resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties.
• Follow mix batching schedule and ensure that all raw batching is competed in accordance to formulation and standards. Batch sheets will be the source of the formulation for all mixes.
• Ensure that all food safety, quality assurance, and GMP policies and procedures are strictly adhered to during the pasteurizing process.
• Maintain compliance and ensure that all raw ingredients and materials are handled in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, internal food safety requirements, and organic requirements and in accordance with regulatory standards that are established by GMP, OSHA, FDA, WDATCP and USDA.
• Properly conduct and document the system verification and monitoring activities of the operation of HTST pasteurizer. Accurately prepare & maintain all area paperwork, legal charts & documents.
• Maintain sanitation of equipment including CIP/SIP & hand cleaning; Responsible for general housekeeping to ensure a clean, sanitary and safe work area.
• Monitor and operator water flush systems and air blows to ensure maximum butterfat recovery and minimize product loss.
• Perform organoleptic testing (e.g. sensory testing with taste, smell, touch, and sight) on finished product.
• Other duties may be assigned.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma, general education degree (GED), or international equivalent.
• Previous manufacturing or food processing experience preferred.
• Prior experience with HTST systems/controls is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, thermometers, pressure gauges, and flow meters.
• Basic math and documentation skills.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non‑verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in‑person or digitally.
• Accountability
• Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.
• Customer Focused
• Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
• Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
• Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
• Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem‑SolvingPossess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
• Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.
• Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
• Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person’s contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds.

The employee is frequently required to perform organoleptic assessments. This requires the acute physical ability to taste, smell, see, and feel product samples to detect deviations in flavor, aroma, color, and texture.

The employee must be physically able to consume and evaluate a wide variety of food ingredients, including potential allergens (e.g., diary, wheat, soy, nuts) processed in the facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.
• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. They may also be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Work will occur in a refrigerated warehouse with temperatures as low as 34 degrees.

Maola Local Dairies® is a farmer‑owned cooperative committed to its local farm families and to producing high‑quality, nutritious dairy products. Founded in 1920, Maola processes and delivers your favorite milk, cream, and dairy products to families, schools, and communities while investing in quality, innovation, and sustainability across its farms and supply chain. Learn more at www.maolamilk.com .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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.