HTST/RO Operator

LA VAQUITA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

LA VAQUITA in Houston seeks an HTST/RO Operator to run and maintain HTST pasteurization and RO ultrafiltration systems in our dairy processing facility.

You will monitor temperatures, pressures, and flow, perform QA tests, and document data for compliance. The role requires precise maintenance, sanitation, and teamwork with QA, maintenance, and production staff, with bilingual capability preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications are a plus.
• Knowledge of lock-out/tag-out safety procedures.
• Good mechanical aptitude and ability to read equipment schematics.
• Ability to use computer systems for process control and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Start up and operate HTST pasteurization equipment according to production schedules, monitoring temperature, pressure, and flow rates to ensure proper heating, holding, and cooling of milk.
• Operate and monitor RO ultrafiltration systems, including starting up, bringing down, and cleaning-in-place (CIP) the system.
• Conduct routine quality checks on pasteurized and RO-treated products, including butterfat analysis, titration, and other QA tests.
• Record and document process data, maintenance activities, and quality control results accurately and in compliance with legal and company requirements.
• Perform basic maintenance and minor repairs on HTST and RO equipment; report major issues to maintenance staff.
• Follow strict sanitation procedures to keep equipment and work areas clean, reducing contamination risks.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and assist in resolving production problems with QA, maintenance, and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations, and maintain a safe workplace.

Skills

Lock-out/tag-out

Mechanical aptitude

Read schematics

Computer systems

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certifications or vocational training in food processing

Job description

An HTST/RO Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining both High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization systems and Reverse Osmosis (RO) ultrafiltration systems in dairy processing plants. This role ensures that milk and whey products are safely processed, meet quality standards, and comply with food safety regulations.

• Start up and operate HTST pasteurization equipment according to production schedules, monitoring temperature, pressure, and flow rates to ensure proper heating, holding, and cooling of milk
• Operate and monitor RO ultrafiltration systems, including starting up, bringing down, and cleaning-in-place (CIP) the system
• Conduct routine quality checks on pasteurized and RO-treated products, including butterfat analysis, titration, and other QA tests
• Record and document process data, maintenance activities, and quality control results accurately and in compliance with legal and company requirements
• Perform basic maintenance and minor repairs on HTST and RO equipment; report major issues to maintenance staff
• Follow strict sanitation procedures to keep equipment and work areas clean, reducing contamination risks
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and assist in resolving production problems with QA, maintenance, and production teams
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations, and maintain a safe workplace

Requirements

Practical knowledge of lock-out/tag-out safety procedures

Good mechanical aptitude and ability to read and interpret equipment schematics

Ability to use computer systems for process control and documentation

Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions effectively

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred for communication in multi-language work environments

High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or vocational training in food processing or related fields are a plus

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay Range

22.00

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