Resource Operator

Agropur Cooperative; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

PTO 3 weeks

Holidays & floating holidays

Advancement opportunities

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

Shift rotation

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative is seeking a Resource Operator II for the Lake Norden plant in South Dakota. The role covers HTST and packaging, with duties including operating equipment, maintaining sanitation, and training others.

You will document activities, monitor processes, and report issues to ensure quality production. The position offers competitive pay with a starting rate around 31.06 USD per hour plus shift differential, comprehensive benefits, and advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience in food plant manufacturing preferred.
• Good mechanical aptitude and detail orientation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out tasks safely and efficiently in HTST and packaging areas.
• Train coworkers on tasks and maintain sanitation standards.
• Perform CIP, sanitation duties, sampling, and log readings.
• Operate cheese/whey equipment and CIP systems proficiently.
• Complete documentation accurately and report equipment issues.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Math skills

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: RegularThe Resource Operator II is carries out all operator tasks in all applicable areas of the plant and provides shift coverage during employee breaks and vacations. Areas of responsibility may include: HTST and packaging. (Le Sueur Ingredients only) Areas of responsibility may include: HTST, starter, packaging, vat, belt, secondary starter/powder blend and mozzarella make room and custom processing dryer. (Lake Norden only) People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters is real impact, not the volume of activity. An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

• Starting Rate: $31.06/hour $1.50hr shift differential for night shift Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 7% company match
• 3 Weeks PTO
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Healthy work/life balance
• Shift time- 2/2/3 5:30 to 5:30
• 1 month of days and 1 month of nights

Your role in achieving results: Carry out all tasks in a safe and efficient manner. Train other workers on various tasks as needed. Perform all CIP's, Master Sanitation items, and titrations to insure a high standard of sanitation. Immediately report any equipment/production issues to Production Supervisor and communicate any variances in make plans. Take all area samples for micro and analytical results in a timely manner. Obtain and maintain working knowledge of production and CIP circuit flows. Complete pre-operational log before production run. (II only) Operate all cheese/whey equipment and CIP (Clean in Place) systems proficiently. Return all sample vials to laboratory after production run. Recognize and correct factors outside of acceptable operating parameters. Understand interaction between computer and machinery and adjust systems as needed. Clean and set up functions of areas and processes. Complete all documentation in an accurate and timely manner. Identify information by categorizing, estimating and/or recognizing changes or deviations in circumstances and or-events. Safely and effectively follow start up procedure of equipment. Accurately take and log frequent readings. Regulate factors; making adjustments depending on type of cheese/whey being produced. Perform Operator-level troubleshooting and maintenance of machinery as needed. Effectively monitor whey, permeate and lactose flows. Obtain and maintain working knowledge of production and CIP circuit flows. This position may involve operation of a Critical Control Point as determined by the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans. Maintain a clean work place, free of safety hazards. Clean and sanitize all applicable areas within the department including walls, floors and equipment. Effective troubleshoot various areas and equipment as needed. Use proper personal protective equipment at all times. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and the Master Sanitation Schedule. Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures. Correct or report any observed safety hazards. Support safety policies and programs. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What we are looking for to deliver these results: Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience Required: Minimum two (2) years of experience in food plant manufacturing preferred. Good mechanical aptitude required. Skills Required: Able to provide current, direct, complete, and “actionable” positive and corrective feedback to others, identifying issues and taking appropriate action. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues. Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work. Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information. Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Ability to work with minimum supervision, adapt to a changing environment quickly, and think independently. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and complete required documentation. Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Agropur is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).