Senior Production Operator & Process Troubleshooter

Dairy Farmers of America; Athens (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Athens, TN is seeking a production operator to join our plant operations. You will perform line duties, monitor equipment, ensure proper materials, and complete quality checks to support safe, efficient production.

The role requires a high school diploma and 2–4 years in manufacturing, preferably dairy or consumer goods. You may assist with training and must follow GMP and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 to 4 years of manufacturing/production experience, preferably in the dairy or consumer goods industry.
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of line duties within the manufacturing environment to include highly skilled / senior-level processing, machine operator, and/or break relief operator jobs (e.g., Receiver, Blend/Filler/CIP/Retort/Evaporator/Pasteurizer operators).
• Clean, set-up, operate, and monitor equipment on the production line
• Ensure that the proper materials are used for each product being produced
• Complete all required documentation and scheduled quality checks
• Review charts, screens, quality check sheets, and specifications that are in both hard copy and electronic format
• Perform cleaning and sanitation tasks as required to maintain plant equipment; complete cleaning checklist once line has completed run
• Prepare equipment for next run to include size changes as needed
• Troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complicated operating difficulties
• Maintain communication with other departments, supervisor, and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible, and accurate format and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP's
• Review process data and equipment performance data to improve quality, throughput, and troubleshoot
• Assist with training efforts in functional area as needed
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Skills

Plant operations

Computer systems

Independent worker

Team player

Communication

Adaptability

English proficiency

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification/licensing may be required

Job description

Dairy Farmers of America in Athens, TN is seeking a production operator to join our plant operations. You will perform line duties, monitor equipment, ensure proper materials, and complete quality checks to support safe, efficient production.

The role requires a high school diploma and 2–4 years in manufacturing, preferably dairy or consumer goods. You may assist with training and must follow GMP and safety standards.