Ice Cream Flavor Vat & Freezer Operator

Idaho Milk Products; Jerome (ID); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation

Holiday Pay

Personal Time Off (PTO)

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Idaho Milk Products in Jerome, ID is seeking an Ice Cream Flavor Vat and Freezer Operator to prepare and process ice cream mixes, operate flavor vats and manage continuous freezers to ensure consistent product quality.

This role requires following formulations and SOPs, maintaining proper temperatures, performing line changeovers, and supporting production schedules while adhering to HACCP, SQF and FDA guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• Experience with dairy or ice cream production is a plus.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs and formulations.
• Strong attention to detail and safety-conscious.

Responsibilities

• Measure and add ingredients to flavor vats per formulation sheets.
• Operate and monitor continuous freezers; adjust settings for texture and temperature.
• Perform line changeovers and sanitation procedures.
• Conduct in-process checks for mix quality and product consistency; document data.
• Follow HACCP, SQF, and FDA guidelines for food safety and sanitation.

Skills

Formulation reading

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in food processing

Job description

Job Information

• Shift: Day or Swing Shift, Monday to Friday. Subject to change based on business needs.
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), 401(k) plan with company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.
• Department: IC-Production
• Location: Ice Cream Plant, Jerome, Idaho
• Reports To: Ice Cream Supervisor
• Employment Status: Full time
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• # of openings: 1

Position Summary

The Ice Cream Flavor Vat and Freezer Operator is responsible for preparing and processing ice cream mixes, operating flavor vats, and managing continuous freezers to ensure consistent product quality. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to food safety standards, and coordination with other production team members to meet production schedules efficiently.

Essential Functions, Duties and Performance Responsibilities

Mixing & Flavor Preparation

• Measure and add ingredients to flavor vats according to formulation sheets.
• Ensure proper blending and temperature control for ice cream mixes.
• Verify ingredient accuracy and maintain batch records.

Freezer Operation

• Operate and monitor continuous freezers for optimal texture and consistency.
• Adjust settings for overrun, viscosity, and temperature based on product specifications.
• Perform line changeovers and sanitation procedures as required.

Quality & Compliance

• Conduct in-process checks for mix quality, flavor accuracy, and product consistency.
• Follow HACCP, SQF, and FDA guidelines for food safety and sanitation.
• Document production data and report deviations promptly.

Maintenance & Safety

• Perform basic troubleshooting and notify maintenance for repairs.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all safety protocols.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in food processing preferred.

Experience

• 1–2 years in dairy or ice cream production; experience with mixing and freezing equipment a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and follow detailed formulations and SOPs.
• Mechanical aptitude for operating and adjusting equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational or business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Subject to up to at least 92db’s
• Lifting: up to 20 lbs. occasionally
• Walking: moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basisli>
• Reaching: extending hands and arms in any direction
• Stooping: bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist occasionally
• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities that must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.