Production Processor/Pasteurizer- 3rd shift

Open Gates Group; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Gates Group in Kalona, IA operates a dairy network and seeks a Production Processor to oversee intake, processing, and pasteurization of dairy products across Farmers Creamery and affiliate facilities, ensuring safety and quality.

This role demands GMP compliance, attention to detail, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment, with preferred dairy or food-manufacturing experience and accurate data recording. Opportunities for cross-training and advancement within OG's mission.

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.

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.

Skills

Cross-trained

Dairy manufacturing

Reading recipes

Record instrument data

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Team player

GMP knowledge

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 Production Processors (Dairy Processor/Pasteurizers) 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 3rd shift hours are Sunday-Thursday, 2pm-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.