Operator-Coagulator-Fresh Mozzarella Production Department

Lactalis American Group; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Lactalis American Group in Nampa, Idaho is seeking an Operator IV-Coagulator to manage the milk coagulation and curd set process for fresh mozzarella production. The role requires advanced technical knowledge, independent decision-making, and leadership to ensure quality, pH, and texture targets are met.

You will support training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement while maintaining GMP and HACCP standards. This position offers opportunities for growth in a fast-paced dairy environment.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required or equivalent
• 1–3 years in cheese or dairy processing preferred
• Experience with fresh mozzarella production is highly desired
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation practices required

Responsibilities

• Independently operate and oversee the milk coagulation process for fresh mozzarella production
• Verify milk quality, volume, and temperature before processing
• Add starter cultures, direct acid, and rennet per formulations and standards
• Monitor parameters like temperature, pH, coagulation time, and curd firmness
• Evaluate curd set and time cutting and whey drainage
• Cut curds to target moisture and acid development for stretch-ready mozzarella
• Coordinate handoff to stretching and molding operations
• Troubleshoot complex issues such as weak set or over/under-acidification
• Adjust processes to maintain product specs
• Operate and maintain coagulation vats, agitators, and cutting systems
• Lead CIP and sanitation activities and ensure food safety
• Complete batch records and production documentation
• Support scheduling, start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns
• Mentor Level I–III operators and assist with audits and training

Skills

Coagulation chemistry

pH monitoring

Process controls

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

pH meters

Thermometers

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™ , Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring an Operator IV-Coagulator based in Nampa, Idaho. The Operator IV-Coagulator isresponsible for the milk coagulation and curd set process in fresh mozzarella production. This role requires advanced technical knowledge, independent decision-making, and leadership capability to ensure curds meet strict quality, pH, and texture standards required for optimal stretching and final product consistency. The Level IV operator serves as a subject-matter expert and supports training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include

• Independently operate and oversee the milk coagulation process for fresh mozzarella production
• Verify milk quality, volume, and temperature before processing
• Add starter cultures, direct acid, and rennet according to established formulations and process standards
• Monitor and control critical parameters, including temperature, pH development, coagulation time, agitation, and curd firmness
• Evaluate curd set and determine precise timing for cutting and whey drainage
• Cut curds to achieve target moisture and acid development for stretch-ready mozzarella
• Determine curd readiness and coordinate handoff to stretching and molding operations
• Troubleshoot complex process issues such as weak set, over- or under-acidification, texture defects, and yield loss
• Make real-time process adjustments to maintain product specifications
• Operate, inspect, and maintain coagulation vats, agitators, and cutting systems
• Lead and support Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation activities, ensuring compliance with food safety standards
• Complete and review batch records, pH logs, and production documentation
• Support production scheduling, start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to Level I–III operators
• Assist supervisors with process improvements, audits, and training initiatives
• Follow all GMP, HACCP, food safety, and workplace safety requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

High School Diploma or completion of GED preferred by not required.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in cheese production or dairy processing required
• Previous experience in fresh mozzarella production strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to run coagulation processes independently
• Prior experience training or supporting other operators preferred
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation practices required

Skills / Abilities

• Strong understanding of coagulation chemistry, acid development, and curd functionality
• Proficient in the use of pH meters, thermometers, and process controls
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with industrial processing equipment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to warm equipment and food-grade chemicals
• Standing for extended periods; lifting and manual handling required
• Use of required PPE at all times

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

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