HTST/Whey Processing Operator

Colonial Group; Town of Shullsburg (WI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time off and Holiday pay

Starting rate at $25.00/hour

4-day work week (10-hour shifts)

Job summary

Beecher's Handmade Cheese is opening a new cheesemaking facility in Shullsburg, WI, and seeks a HTST/Whey Processing Operator to lead pasteurization and whey processing while upholding quality standards. You will help launch operations between December 7 and 15, joining a team building a fresh facility.

The role offers a starting rate of $25.00/hour, a consistent 4‑day work week with 10‑hour shifts, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with match,

Qualifications

• Wisconsin HTST certification is required.
• Previous food manufacturing or dairy experience is required.
• Candidates should follow SOPs and maintain accurate records.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor HTST pasteurization system per PMO and regulations.
• Document pasteurization data: time, temperature, flow, seals.
• Maintain pasteurization records and charts per regs.
• Coordinate milk flow and cheese vat fill timing with production.
• Perform routine checks and verifications on pasteurization equipment.
• Operate whey processing equipment and support whey transfers safely.
• Perform CIP and COP on pasteurization, whey, membranes, storage, and transfer systems.
• Conduct cleaning validations: titrations, wash temps, cycle times, and flow checks.
• Identify issues and communicate deviations to supervision.
• Maintain GMPs, food safety programs, and plant procedures.

Skills

HTST Certification

Food manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Documentation accuracy

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Job description

Beecher's Handmade Cheese is excited to be opening a new cheesemaking facility in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and we're looking for a HTST/Whey Processing Operatorto play a key role in pasteurization, whey processing, and maintaining the quality standards behind every batch of cheese we make.

We're hiring now for team members who will begin onboarding and training around December 7 as we prepare to start cheesemaking operations between December 7 and December 15. This is a unique opportunity to join Beecher's from the very beginning, help launch a new facility, and play a key role in shaping the cheesemaking culture, processes, and traditions that will define our newest operation.

Why Choose Beecher’s?

• Starting rate at $25.00/hour
• Consistent 4-day work week (10-hour shifts)
• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401 (k) with company match
• Paid Time off and Holiday pay

What You'll do

• Operate and monitor the HTST pasteurization system to ensure compliance with PMO, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Verify and document pasteurization data, including time, temperature, flow rate, cut-in/cut-out performance, and required seal checks.
• Maintain accurate pasteurization records and charts in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate milk flow and cheese vat fill timing to support production schedules.
• Perform routine time checks, seal checks, and operational verifications on pasteurization equipment.
• Operate whey processing equipment including whey cream separators, cheese fines recovery systems, reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems, and reuse water polishing systems.
• Support whey tanker loadout activities and ensure product transfers are completed safely and accurately.
• Perform CIP and COP procedures on pasteurization, whey processing, membrane, storage, and transfer systems.
• Conduct and document chemical titrations, wash temperatures, cycle times, valve pulsing verification, and flow checks to ensure effective cleaning and sanitation.
• Perform membrane system cleaning and sanitation in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify equipment, process, sanitation, or food safety concerns and promptly communicate deviations to supervision.
• Maintain compliance with GMPs, food safety programs, safety requirements, and plant operating procedures.
• Participate in regulatory, customer, and third-party audits, including demonstrating and documenting required time and seal checks.

What We're Looking For

• Wisconsin HTST Certification required
• Previous food manufacturing, or dairy experience required
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and work instructions accurately
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete documentation correctly
• Willingness to learn and work across multiple production areas
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to safely operate equipment and follow all required safety procedures
• Strong communication skills and willingness to support teammates wherever needed
• Understanding of quality standards and commitment to producing exceptional products
• Desire to grow skills and contribute to a culture of craftsmanship and continuous improvement

Career Opportunity

We’re looking for people who want more than a paycheck. If you care about great food, take pride in your work, and want to build a career, Beecher’s is a place where you can learn a craft, grow your skills, and be proud of what you make every day.

Commitment to Our Communities:

As part of our mission to Change the Way America eats we’ve created the Beecher's Foundation, a non‑profit supported by our family of companies. Aimed at educating people about the prevalence of food additives and their possible health risks, the Foundation is about giving people the tools they need to make healthy eating choices for life.

We are committed to building a team that includes individuals from different cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, reflecting the diversity of the communities where we work and live.