Relief Production Operator – Vats (String Make)

Lactalis American Group; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis American Group in Nampa, Idaho is seeking a Relief Production Operator IV–Vats (String) to support cheese-making operations. You will start up and shut down lines, monitor process parameters, and maintain accurate lab data while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have a minimum of six months in dairy or food manufacturing, comfort with HTST, vats, and PLC/HMI interfaces, and the ability to follow precise recipes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Six months of experience in food manufacturing or dairy production preferred.
• Experience with lab tests (pH, TA) a plus.
• Ability to read recipes and follow production instructions.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot cheese-making equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lines for cheese-making and operate HTST pasteurizer.
• Monitor cheese-making parameters and record lab results.
• Use PLC/HMI to control equipment and adjust set points.
• Follow recipes and maintain accurate production records.
• Perform cleaning/ CIP and sanitation duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Math skills

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Follow procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

HTST

Vats

PLC/HMI

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 a Relief Production Operator IV – Vats (String) based in Nampa, ID.

Requirements

The Relief Production Operator IV – Vats (String) is responsible for the portion of the cheese-making process beginning with raw milk silos, milk HTST, and vat operations. This includes making ingredient adjustments based on lab analysis. All critical phases must be monitored and controlled within specification by cheese type. The Operator IV is able to start up, shut down, CIP equipment, and troubleshoot process issues.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Properly prepare lines for the cheese-making process.
• Operate the milk pasteurizer (HTST), including proper startup (cut-in/cut-out) and shutdown.
• Monitor and record cheese-making parameters by sampling and performing laboratory analysis (pH, titratable acidity).
• Use PLC/HMI controls to properly operate and adjust equipment.
• Follow prescribed recipes for various cheese products.
• Maintain accurate cheese-making records, including deviations, observations, ingredient information, and lab results.
• Prepare equipment for cleaning and perform CIP functions.
• Perform sanitation duties as assigned and keep the work area clean and organized.
• Take immediate corrective action when product does not meet quality or specification requirements.

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• High School Diploma or completion of GED preferred but not required.

Experience

• Six (6) months of experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, or a similar production environment preferred.
• Experience operating production equipment such as vats, HTST, or other automated systems helpful but not required.
• Prior exposure to basic lab testing (pH, TA) or recipe-based production processes is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures, record data accurately, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Specialized Knowledge

• Working knowledge of cheese-making processes, including curd development, cooking, and moisture control.
• Ability to read and follow make sheets, recipes, and production instructions.
• Understanding of basic lab measurements such as pH and titratable acidity (TA) and how they relate to cheese quality.
• Familiarity with operating HTST, vats, and related production equipment.
• Ability to use HMI/PLC interfaces to monitor, adjust, and control process parameters (operator-level use only).
• Basic understanding of CIP procedures and equipment preparation for cleaning.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food-safety requirements, and critical control points in cheese production.

Skills / Abilities

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow precise recipes, process steps, and control parameters.
• Ability to identify off-spec conditions (pH, TA, temperature, cook times, curd development) and take appropriate corrective action.
• Comfortable using HMI/PLC screens to monitor equipment status, adjust set points, and respond to alarms (operator-level use).
• Solid problem-solving skills, including recognizing process deviations and making basic adjustments.
• Ability to perform accurate basic math (fractions, decimals, rates, percentages) for ingredient adjustments and lab measurements.
• Strong communication skills to relay information to Cheesemakers, QA, and Supervisors.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond effectively to changing production demands.
• Ability to work independently during relief coverage and as part of a team during full operations.
• Consistent and reliable attendance, punctuality, and ability to meet shift demands.
• Ability to maintain composure and accuracy in a fast-paced, high-precision production environment.
• Ability to follow all safety rules, use appropriate PPE, and report unsafe conditions.

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 Affiantitve Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.