HTST Operator I

Agropur, inc.; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) with company match

3 weeks PTO

Holidays and floating holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Agropur is seeking an HTST Operator I responsible for preparing raw milk for cheese production and raw whey for whey processing. The role emphasizes accuracy, safety, and adherence to QA policies in a collaborative environment.

Starting rate is $26.49/hr with two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00, plus $1.50 shift differential and double time on Sundays. Benefits include health, retirement, PTO, holidays, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience required; in-house training provided.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow start-up procedure of equipment.
• Take frequent readings and log.
• Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles.
• Troubleshoot and maintain machinery.
• Clean and sanitize all parts of HTST department including walls, floors, and equipment.
• Assist coworkers with tasks within the department.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance policies and report potential food safety issues.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Math skills

Teamwork

Documentation

Multitasking

Organization

Written communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CIP operations

Job description

Job Type:RegularThe HTST Operator I is responsible for the preparation of raw milk to be used in cheese production and/or responsible for the preparation of raw whey to be further processed in the whey plant.

People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact.

At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters isrealimpact, not the volume of activity.

An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

• Starting Rate: $26.49/hr

• Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00

• $1.50 Shift Differential + Double Time on Sundays

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) with up to a 7% company match

• 3 Weeks PTO

• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

• Advancement Opportunities

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Healthy work/life balance

• Shift time- 3/2/2/3 rotating 1 month days and 1 month nights 5 to 5

Your role in achieving results:

• Follow start-up procedure of equipment.
• Take frequent readings and log.
• Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles.
• Troubleshoot and maintain machinery.
• Clean and sanitize all parts of HTST department including walls, floors, and equipment.

• Assist all other coworkers with tasks and duties within the department.

• Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management.

• Separate cheese fines, fat, & pasteurize whey in preparation to make WPC and SDW powder and permeate powder.

• Monitor raw whey flow into balance tank, through pasteurizing heaters, through separators to separate cream from the whey, to membrane equipment to make 80% WPC, and/or to evaporators for condensing to make SDW powder.
• Regulate factors such as whey solids, cream fats, and temperature and make necessary adjustments.
• Take frequent readings and log upwards of twenty variables.
• Quickly recognize when factors are outside acceptable parameters.
• Understand interaction between computer and machinery, troubleshooting problems as they arise.
• May involve operation of a Critical Control Point as determined by the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.

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.

What we are looking for to deliver these results:

Education Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience Required:

• No experience required; in-house training provided.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience preferred.

Skills Required:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
• Able to properly document information legibly onto log sheets.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Good to excellent spelling, grammar, and written communication skills.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

AA/EEO - Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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 knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.