Lactose Operator

Agropur Cooperative; Le Sueur (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) with company contributions

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative is seeking a Lactose Operator I to manage dairy processing equipment and CIP cycles in a clean, compliant environment. This role focuses on crystallization, drying, and maintaining product quality while logging critical process data.

The successful candidate will follow GMPs, SOPs, and safety rules, and will assist with packaging and daily tasks in a collaborative team setting on a 2,2,3 shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work.
• Display strong organizational skills, prioritization, multitasking, and meeting deadlines.
• Basic math skills and ability to input/retrieve information in a computer system.

Responsibilities

• Operate key dairy processing equipment in the Lactose department and perform CIP as scheduled.
• Follow procedures for equipment start-up and crystallization, and refine lactose crystals before drying into lactose powder.
• Regulate process variables such as solids and temperature and log readings for up to 50 variables.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and department areas, including walls, floors and packaging areas.
• Assist with product processing and packaging, including handling of 25 kg bags, and assist coworkers as needed.
• Understand GMPs and SOPs, and follow safety rules; report unsafe acts or hazards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Basic math

Documentation

Quality and cleanliness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Basic computer operations

Job description

Job Type:RegularThe Lactose Operator I is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of all equipment and machinery related to lactose processing. This position also performs Clean In Place cycles, keeping all equipment and the processing environment clean and sanitized. In addition, this position is expected to clean and sanitize equipment and their work environment to maintain a high-quality food production environment. The Lactose Operator I may also assist coworkers with tasks within the department as assigned.People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters.We believe that teamwork—collaborating and sharing perspectives—is essential to achieving the best results.An environment where collaboration is encouraged and valued:Starting Wage $25.74/HRTwo pay increases within a year, up to $1.005:45 PM - 6 AM | 2,2,3 ScheduleDouble time pay on SundayBenefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance401(k) with up to 7% company contributionsPTO starting Day 1Paid holidays and 2 floating holidaysAdvancement OpportunitiesTuition Reimbursement ProgramEmployee DiscountsUniform Program + Shoe AllowanceYour key responsibilities:Operate all the key pieces of dairy processing equipment in the Lactose department, performing CIP as needed and per schedule.Successfully follow complex procedure equipment start-up.Proficiently run equipment involving emptying crystallization tanks, and refining lactose crystals before drying into Lactose powder.Regulate factors such as solids and temperature, making adjustments depending on the type of product to be produced.Take frequent readings, logging up to fifty variables.Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles, troubleshooting and maintenance of machinery.Clean and sanitize all parts and areas of the Lactose department including walls, floors and equipment.Assist with product processing and packaging including handling of 25 kg bags.Maintain knowledge of product flow’s and trace piping, troubleshooting as needed.Maintain knowledge of valves and pumps.Assist other coworkers with tasks and duties within the department as assigned.Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.Safety ProtocolStop 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.The individual who will own this role:High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.No experience required; in-house training provided.Experience in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment preferred.Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work.Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines.Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.Able to legibly document work.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment.Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience.Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.A role for those who know that the best results are built through teamwork.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.