Production Processor- 2nd shift

Open Gates Group; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is seeking a 2nd shift Production Processor to support its dairy processing and pasteurization operations at Farmers Creamery. This role focuses on safe intake, processing, pasteurization, and ensuring product quality through GMP-compliant practices.

The position requires attention to detail, the ability to read recipes, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Prior dairy experience is preferred; candidates must meet safety and hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; dairy experience preferred.
• Experience in cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing is beneficial.
• Ability to be cross-trained and operate multiple production tasks.
• Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and record data in English.
• Strong attention to detail and clear written/verbal communication.
• Must adhere to safety, hygiene, and GMP standards in a food facility.
• Team-oriented mindset and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive attitude and alignment with OG’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment to ensure safe, high‑quality dairy products.
• Review daily instructions and production requirements before start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cracks, leaks, or contamination sources.
• Rotate through tasks, monitor acidity, temperature, pH during processing.
• Meet processing rates and production targets.
• Participate in start-up, changeovers, and shutdowns of equipment.
• Perform sanitation and cleanup for food safety and efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Stay current with production technology and equipment operation.
• Uphold company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

GMP awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our organic milk is uniquely special- it comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, non-homogenized, and verified regenerative through Land to Market- which means that our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment, rather than harming it. We’re seeking a 2nd shift Production Processor (Dairy Processor/Pasteurizer) to support our production efforts at Farmers Creamery.

Summary

The Production Processor (Dairy Processor/Pasteurizer) plays a critical role in dairy manufacturing operations by overseeing the safe and efficient intake, processing, and pasteurization of raw dairy. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Production Processor ensures consistent product quality while supporting efficient production and continuous improvement efforts. Typical shift hours are Sunday-Thursday, 2:00pm to 10pm.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment to produce safe, high-quality, and consistent food products in accordance with GMP standards.
• Review daily instruction sheets and production requirements prior to start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cracks, leaks, or other potential sources of contamination.
• Rotate through multiple production tasks, including testing milk acidity and monitoring agitation, temperature, and pH during processing.
• Meet established processing rates and production targets.
• Participate in equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Perform sanitation and clean-up duties to maintain food safety and operational efficiency.
• Maintain quality standards in accordance with State and Federal regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with required production technology and equipment operation.
• Uphold, support, and promote all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support successful business operations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles.
• Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and accurately record instrument data in English.
• Strong attention to detail with clear verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.
• Ability to adhere to all safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing requirements.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Positive attitude, high integrity, and alignment with OG’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.

Requirements/Work Environment

• Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet floors, temperature variation, noise, and moving equipment.
• Regular exposure to food allergens and cleaning/sanitation chemicals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Required adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards necessary for a food manufacturing environment, such as wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and no facial piercings.
• Must be able to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.