Lactose Operator

Agropur Cooperative; Le Sueur (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Short and Long-term Disability Health

401(k) with up to 7% company CONTRIBUT

PTO starting Day 1

Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

Advancement Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Employee Discounts

Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative in Minnesota is seeking a Lactose Operator II to efficiently run dairy processing equipment in the Lactose department, perform CIP cycles, and maintain clean, sanitized facilities. The role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and adherence to GMP.

Responsibilities include monitoring process variables, recording data, loading 25 kg bags, and supporting product processing and packaging. Starting wage is $27.90 per hour with two raises within a year; schedule 5:45 AM to 6:00 PM,

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment.
• Experience with the operation of pharmaceutical equipment and related processes.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work.

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.
• Proficiently operate pharma equipment and processes including Granulac and Duralac processes.
• Proficiently complete processes include reprocessing lactose, addition of processing aids, heating and dissolution, filtration and operation of a filter press, secondary crystallization, drying Granulac with product separation at startup and shut down, operation of beta mix tanks, drum dryer, milling, product classification and packaging in drums or boxes.
• The pharmaceutical process requires extensive log sheet and data recording, process deviation documentation, and trouble shooting.
• Change dust collector socks and perform light preventative maintenance and valve repair.
• 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.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Multitasking

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: Regular The Lactose Operator II 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. 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:

Pay and Schedule

• Starting Wage $27.90/HR
• Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00
• 5:45 AM - 6PM | 2,2,3 Schedule
• Double time pay on Sunday

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions
• PTO starting Day 1
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Discounts
• Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

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.
• Proficiently operate pharma equipment and processes including Granulac and Duralac processes.
• Proficiently complete processes include reprocessing lactose, addition of processing aids, heating and dissolution, filtration and operation of a filter press, secondary crystallization, drying Granulac with product separation at startup and shut down, operation of beta mix tanks, drum dryer, milling, product classification and packaging in drums or boxes.
• The pharmaceutical process requires extensive log sheet and data recording, process deviation documentation, and trouble shooting.
• Change dust collector socks and perform light preventative maintenance and valve repair.
• 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment required.
• Experience with the operation of pharmaceutical equipment and related processes.
• 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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 is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).