Machine Operator

Valley-Milk-LL; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 26,174,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley-Milk-LL in California seeks an entry-level Operator to join our dairy powder production team. This role provides hands-on training and exposure to plant operations, safety, GMPs, sanitation, equipment, and production processes under supervision.

You will learn basic production tasks, complete required records, participate in shift handoffs and trainings, and demonstrate competency in entry-level skills while maintaining dependable attendance and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
• Willingness to learn dairy powder manufacturing processes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Follow company safety policies, GMP requirements, and required safe work practices.
• Assist qualified Operators with routine production activities under supervision.
• Learn basic equipment identification and safe operating practices.
• Complete required production records, checklists, and documentation accurately.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas; participate in sanitation activities.
• Participate in shift handoffs, daily meetings, and plant training activities.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance and willingness to learn as part of a team.
• Complete assigned training modules and demonstrate competency in entry-level skills.

Job description

The Operator is an entry-level position designed for employees who are new to our dairy powder manufacturing facility and are beginning their training and development within Production.This position provides hands-on exposure to plant operations, safety requirements, food safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation, equipment, and production processes. The Operator will work under the direction of qualified Operators and Supervisors.Employees in this position are not expected to independently operate complex production systems until they have completed the appropriate training and qualification requirements.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFollow all company safety policies, procedures, and required safe work practices.Follow all food safety, quality, sanitation, and GMP requirements.Participate in new-hire orientation and assigned production training.Learn the basic flow of milk, ingredients, finished product, and production processes throughout the facility.Assist qualified Operators with routine production activities.Learn basic equipment identification, purpose, and safe operating practices.Perform basic production tasks under supervision and within established procedures.Complete required production records, checklists, and documentation accurately.Maintain clean and organized work areas.Participate in housekeeping and sanitation activities as assigned.Learn proper chemical awareness, PPE requirements, and Lockout/Tagout awareness.Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, product quality concerns, or process deviations.Communicate effectively with Operators, Lead Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, Quality, and other team members.Participate in shift handoffs, daily meetings, and plant training activities.Demonstrate dependable attendance, teamwork, and willingness to learn.Complete assigned training modules and demonstrate competency in required entry-level skills.Perform other duties as assigned.TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT EXPECTATIONSDuring the Operator training, employees will receive training in the following areas:Plant safety orientationFood safety and GMPsPersonal protective equipment (PPE)Lockout/Tagout awarenessChemical safety awarenessSanitation and housekeeping expectationsProduction process overviewBasic equipment identificationBasic production documentationQuality awarenessAllergen and contamination preventionEmergency proceduresShift communication and handoff expectationsBasic troubleshooting awarenessQUALIFICATIONSRequiredHigh school diploma or GED preferred.Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.Ability and willingness to learn dairy powder manufacturing processes.Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.Ability to work effectively as part of a team.Ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance.Basic reading, writing, and math skills.Ability to complete required company training and qualification activities.Ability to work assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by plant operations.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe employee must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:Standing and walking for extended periods.Climbing stairs and ladders as required.Bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.Working around manufacturing equipment and machinery.Working in areas that may be hot, cold, wet, noisy, or dusty.Wearing required PPE.Lifting and/or moving materials consistent with established job and safety requirements.