Separator- HTST Operator (12 Hour Nights- Rotating Weekends)

fairlife LLC; West Webster (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dairy processing company is seeking a Night Shift Operator for equipment operation in a safe manner. The role requires maintaining quality and food safety standards while operating milk separating equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma and communicate effectively in English, along with troubleshooting skills. The position involves working 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule, with responsibilities including training new personnel and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Must work safely and efficiently at all times.
• Ability to troubleshoot small problems.
• High-school level verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Operate milk separating equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain proper process parameters and quality control.
• Train new personnel and maintain the work area.

Skills

Safe and efficient work practices

Troubleshooting small problems

Basic computational skills

Industrial Truck Operator License

Effective communication in English

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Shift Schedule

12 Hour Days: This is a night shift position, hours from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The role follows a rotating 2‑2‑3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Job Purpose

Operate milk separating equipment in the processing department in a safe and sanitary manner following all GMPs. Operations include receiving/coordination of raw milk, separation, selection of skim milk and cream tanks/silos, running of HTST, monitoring and maintaining process controls of heat‑exchanger process variables, and documenting accurate recordings of process parameters while in operation. Blend and pasteurize for bulk load‑out.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety, working, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules. Keep the work center audit ready.
• Report to and follow the direction of Processing Supervisors.
• Know proper established start‑up and shut‑down procedures.
• Maintain and monitor proper process parameters such as pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and the quality of product being produced.
• Know and maintain process specifications.
• Properly clean process equipment such as silos, cream storage silos, balance tanks, lines, valves, pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Clean process equipment such as tanks, lines, and separators, which includes, but isn’t limited to, hand‑cleaning parts, Clean‑In‑Place (CIP) and Clean‑Out‑of‑Place (COP) operations on a daily basis.
• Take accurate samples to monitor Clean‑In‑Place (CIP) system for chemical concentration.
• Take accurate samples of products for QA testing.
• Service pumps, valves, and heat exchangers to maintain operational state and following routine Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedule.
• Responsible for overall system efficiency.
• Follow escalation protocol based on production and quality triggers.
• Aid in the training of new personnel or upskilling of team members.
• Effectively follow proper standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Complete every shift Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), Centerline (CL), and Clean, Inspect, Lubricate (CIL) tasks on a timely manner and accurately.
• Communicate with upstream and downstream processing on any anticipated schedule delays and/or changes.

Skills & Qualifications Required

• Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.
• High‑school level verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computational skills required. Simple math reasoning required.
• Must be able to operate the equipment effectively after the appropriate break‑in period.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an Industrial Truck Operator License.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Sitting/Standing/Walking/Lifting/Carrying: The operator stands throughout their shift and walks on uneven concrete and tile surfaces. The operator lifts up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis. Two or more employees complete lifts of greater than 100 pounds.

Pushing/Pulling/Bending/Stooping: The operator occasionally pushes/pulls a variety of objects which may include empty pallets and brooms during cleanup activities. The operator will push/pull pipe‑fittings during hook‑up. The operator bends and stoops occasionally throughout the workday, when servicing equipment, picking supplies or waste product off the floor.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling/Twisting/Turning: The operator may squat when picking up supplies and during cleanup duties, including kneeling on the floor and crawling under equipment. Occasional twisting and turning at the waist while changing dryer lances or making CIP connections.

Climbing/Balancing/Reaching: The operator occasionally climbs approved stairs or ladders. The operator reaches below shoulder level to pick up pipe‑fittings from the floor or while servicing product pumps and related equipment. The operator may reach at or above shoulder level when making equipment adjustments, or during cleanup duties.

Grasping/Manipulation: Frequent use of the hands and fingers is required of the operator when servicing pumps, using scrub brushes, and connecting pipe‑fittings.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Employees will be subject to ambient temperatures as well as elevated temperatures, up to 110 degrees, due to equipment operation and cleaning.

Food Safety Requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color‑coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

Position Location

Webster, NY

Reports To

Processing Supervisor

Travel Requirements

Little to none

Exempt/Nonexempt

Nonexempt

Equal Employment Opportunity

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [e-mail].