Skilled Machine Operator - Processor Operator

UNC Dairy; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative is seeking a skilled Processor Operator to join our dairy processing team in New York. You will set up, operate, and monitor equipment to manufacture finished products, maintain cleanliness, and adhere to safety and quality standards.

The role requires flexibility for weekend and holiday shifts and a willingness to work in cold environments. Responsibilities include batch recording, following SOPs, and assisting with continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• GED or High School diploma required.
• Able to pass pre-employment background and drug screen.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Skilled in mechanical setup/teardown and operating equipment.

Responsibilities

• Batch products; record required information on form documents, regulatory charts and checklists with 100% accuracy.
• Follow SOP procedures and complete required documentation; participate in continuous improvement.
• Maintain area cleanliness and report leaks or out-of-spec product; participate in waste reduction.
• Follow safety requirements including Lock Out/Tag Out, PPE and safety efforts.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NYSDA, PMO, FDA and assist in maintaining SQF readiness and HACCP.
• Work in cold temperatures, with noise and uneven walking surfaces.
• Clean, setup, operate, and monitor specified process equipment and systems.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

GED or High School diploma

Job description

Skilled Machine Operator - Processor Operator

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: SKILL004641

• Posted : September 22, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Skilled Labor openings may include the following positions – Processor Operator. These positions can include the responsibility of setting up, operating and cleaning equipment responsible for turning raw milk product store ready and also the responsibility of setting up, operating and cleaning equipment that manufactures plastic bottles for finished milk product. All qualified, responsible applicants are encouraged to apply. We offer a competitive salary and generous paid time off. Must be able to work, weekends and Holidays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Batch products; record required information on form documents, regulatory charts and operational/cleaning checklists maintaining 100% accuracy.
• Must follow all SOP procedures and complete required documentation/checklists. Participate in continuous improvement efforts to improve products, services, or processes.
• Maintains area cleanliness, reports leaking or out of spec product and participate in waste reduction efforts.
• Follow all Safety requirements to include, Housekeeping, Lock Out/Tag Out, PPE and engage in facility safety efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all OSHA, NYSDA, PMO, FDA, and assist in maintaining SQF readiness, and HACCP.
• Ability to work in an environment with cold temperatures, noise and uneven walking surfaces.
• Clean, set up, operate, and monitor specified process equipment and systems

Education and Experience:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background and drug screen
• Minimum of a GED or High School diploma

Must be a minimum of 18 years of age

• Skilled in Mechanical aptitude, (I.e. Set up, teardown physical connections)
• Applicants must be available to work all hours (all shifts) as well as weekends and holidays
• Ability to meet company policy for attendance and work schedule requirements
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time, operator in varied temperature ranges, perceive distance and distinguish color.
• Ability to handle intermittent periods during which continuous physical exertion is required, such as stooping, bending, climbing, and lifting material or equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay:

Processor Operator - $23.00-28.00 one-year progressive pay scale

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.