Mfg Pasteurizer

Kroger; Hutchinson (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Manufacturing seeks a dairy production operator to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient processing. You will operate pasteurization equipment, monitor batch processes, and maintain sanitation in a fast-paced dairy environment.

This role requires flexibility for overtime and weekends, with a focus on safety and quality as part of our Customer 1st strategy. Join a team that values respect, integrity, and continuous improvement in SQR practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to read and follow simple instructions and gauges.
• Ability to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, wet environment and around chemicals.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Basic writing skills.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic.

Responsibilities

• Pasteurize and homogenize dairy products according to specs.
• Run and maintain pasteurizer and related equipment.
• Monitor production processes and follow SOPs for batching.
• Verify charts including temperatures and product recordings.
• Maintain CIP and sanitation of equipment.
• Transfer materials between work areas using moving equipment.
• Report problems to management and other departments.

Skills

Reading and comprehension

Following instructions

Communication

Teamwork

Basic writing skills

Basic math

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Responsible for the processing and pasteurizing of raw and condensed products through a defined step by step process to ensure fulfillment of company, state and federal guidelines. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Ensure all known pathogens are pasteurized and product is homogenized according to specifications
• Run and maintain pasteurizer and other related equipment within dairy production environment
• Closely monitor production process and follow standard operating procedures for product batching and processing
• Verify all charts including frequency pen, cut in/cut out temperatures and product recording temperatures
• Monitor fats, total solids, allergens, cryoscopy and other items related to processing dairy products
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties
• Maintain sanitation of equipment including Clean in Place (CIP) and hand cleaning
• Operate equipment at recommended speeds and communicate mechanical and operations issues as they arise
• Operate and clean equipment with a sense of urgency to maximize throughput and minimize downtime
• Transfer materials, supplies and products between work areas using moving equipment and hand tools
• Monitor process and surroundings in order to anticipate and prepare for any changes in production
• Maintain communication with other departments, management and associates and notify them of any problems or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

Minimum

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow simple instructions, short correspondence, gauges and memos
• Ability to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work in a fast paced, wet environment with some exposure to chemicals
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Basic writing skills
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

Desired

• Experience in manufacturing environment