Production Operator

Greater St. Cloud; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O'Lakes, Inc. in Melrose, MN is seeking a Production Operator to monitor the cheese making process, operate the machinery, and package the final products.

You will ensure safety and quality standards, work front-line production, and contribute to a member-owned cooperative rooted in tomorrow. The role requires the ability to read and follow instructions in English, prior manufacturing experience, and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• 1 year or more of work experience in any industry.
• Basic computer and math skills.
• Able to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions in English.
• Willingness to learn new skills, problem-solve and troubleshoot.
• Strong collaboration, communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Complies with all safety processes and insists on safety practices of self and others.
• Shows up on time, completes tasks by deadlines, and adapts to changes quickly.
• Able to multi-task and keep up with production demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensures all quality standards and standard operating procedures are followed during production process.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area.
• Collaborates and follows the instructions of Leads and Management to accomplish daily work assignments.

Skills

Reading & writing English

Safety practices

Collaboration

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

Job description

Production Operator

• Melrose, MN Land O'Lakes, Inc.
• August 25, 2026

Pay Rate & Shift

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour.

Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed.

Sign on Bonus

Sign on Bonus: $1500 - $250 paid after 30 days of employment. $500 paid after 6 months of employment. $750 paid after 12 months of employment.

Role Focus

The Turba Operator is responsible for monitoring the overall cheese making process to maintain high quality and productivity standards.

Proficient in all phases (process and CIP of equipment), including, but not limited to the job duties listed below.

Maintain a safe work environment and meet all established quality standards.

In this role, you will be a key member of our Land O’Lakes, Inc. manufacturing team, performing front-line production processes that add value and quality to the inputs and creation of final high-quality products.

You will gain skills and experience of taking raw materials to produce our final products for customers. This will include operating machinery and equipment, packaging the final product.

Join our team to become part of a member-owned co-op that is Rooted In Tomorrow. This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there’s power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and finding innovative uses for that milk, we add a little good to people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Complies with all safety processes and insists on safety practices of self and others
• Shows up on time, completes tasks by deadlines, and adapts to changes quickly
• Able to multi-task and keep up with production demands in a fast-paced environment
• Ensures all quality standards and standard operating procedures are followed during production process
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area
• Collaborates and follows the instructions of Leads and Management to accomplish daily work assignments

Required Experience and Skills

• Must be 18 years or older
• 1 year or more of work experience in any industry
• Basic computer and math skills
• Able to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions in English
• Willingness to learn new skills, problem-solve and troubleshoot
• Strong collaboration, communication skills, and is always respectful

Experience

• 2+ year of manufacturing work experience
• Prior high-speed, high-tech manufacturing experience

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds
• Frequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements
• Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment
• Working in temperature zones that include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include areas where dust and chemicals are present
• Required to work scheduled shift which may include weekends, some holidays, and periodic overtime

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list. We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root. Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices. If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.