Manufacturing Technician

AgCertain; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

AgCertain is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Technician, Cheese Production to support cheese production across pre-production, cheesemaking, and post-production phases. The role includes on-the-job training, strict adherence to GMP, sanitation and food safety standards, and potential to transition to full-time after the seasonal period.

This position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and timely recordkeeping, with duties spanning equipment operation, batch tracking, and cooperative teamwork

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Physical ability to lift 75 lbs and stand 8+ hours.
• Strong attention to detail across tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and GMP practices.
• Abide by GMP and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate safely in all AgCertain environments.
• Understand systems in cheese cutting and wrapping areas.
• Operate process equipment (curd vats, hoops, pumps, knives, agitators).
• Monitor milk intake, curd, mold filling, salting, and aging processes.
• Record weights, lot codes, temperature, and pH moisture data.
• Perform basic equipment setup and teardown.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation per SOPs and GMPs.
• Read production orders and batch sheets accurately.
• Cross-train with other production areas as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Math skills

Integrity and safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job DetailsThe Manufacturing Technician, Cheese Production is an entry level manufacturing position that assists with the production of cheese products. They will be trained on the phases of production, including pre-production, cheesemaking, and post-production. This role requires attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of production, cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety. This is a seasonal position through December 31, 2026 with the potential to turn into a full-time position.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Operate safely and appropriately in all AgCertain situations and environments
• Ability to demonstrate a basic and continuously increasing understanding of associated systems within the cheese cutting and wrapping areas
• Operate basic process equipment including curd vats, hoops, pumps, knives, and agitators
• Understand the product flow of milk intake, curd, mold filling, salting, and aging
• Accurately record weights, lot code numbers, temperature, and pH moisture data
• Perform basic equipment setup and teardown
• Demonstrate proficiency with hoop washing and sanitizing tray wash equipment
• Understand how to read production orders and batch sheets
• Learn how to measure and adjust milk & curd parameters and be able to recognize curd texture/moisture changes
• Use scales, thermometers, and basic instruments within production
• Identify non-conforming products and be able to initiate the hold process
• Follow all written procedures (SOPs) and work instructions that pertain to the perspective area, including the production of cheese, maintenance of equipment, proper record keeping, and cleaning or sanitation of equipment and production areas
• Cross train with other areas of production as needed to assist with operations
• Operate all equipment with a heightened focus on precision and adherence to formulations
• Complete all necessary paperwork and recordkeeping as required by Quality Assurance to maintain traceability accurately and in a timely manner
• Undergo Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training and be able to comply with Occupational Safety policies and GMPs in the production process; perform sanitation duties in accordance with SOPs, Food Safety and GMP compliance
• Participate in all company trainings
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent level certification with proven reading, writing, clearly legible handwriting, computer, inter-personal communication and mathematics skills
• Physical abilities to include the ability to lift 75 lbs (34 Kg), ability to spend 8+ hours on feet and/or standing in place
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Act with humility, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to safety
• Abide by Good Manufacturing Practices in all areas of the facility