Table Operator

Sartori Company; Crescent City (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Sartori Company in Crescent City, CA is seeking a Table Operator to support the curd handling stage of cheese production. You will operate and monitor three drain tables and a finesaver, check moisture, pH, and salt levels, and transfer curd to block-forming towers while maintaining strict sanitation and quality standards.

This on-site role requires attention to detail, adherence to GMP/HACCP, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable.
• Operator experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors drain tables and a finesaver during curd processing.
• Measures and records curd pH, temperature, and moisture at key stages.
• Evenly salts curd according to product specs.
• Ensures smooth transfer of curd to block-forming towers and fixes flow issues.
• Reports issues to Maintenance and aids troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Records production data and lot numbers in tracking systems.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Effective Communication

Teamwork

Self-Motivation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Material Handling Equipment

Job description

SummaryThe Table Operator plays an essential role in the curd handling stage of cheese production. This position is responsible for operating and monitoring three drain tables and a finesaver to ensure proper curd processing. Key responsibilities include monitoring cheese moisture and pH, accurately salting curd, and transferring product to the block-forming towers. In addition to production tasks, the Drain Table Operator is responsible for maintaining strict sanitation practices, to uphold food safety and product quality standards. The role requires close attention to detail and adherence to food safety and quality standards.

SummaryThe Table Operator plays an essential role in the curd handling stage of cheese production. This position is responsible for operating and monitoring three drain tables and a finesaver to ensure proper curd processing. Key responsibilities include monitoring cheese moisture and pH, accurately salting curd, and transferring product to the block-forming towers. In addition to production tasks, the Drain Table Operator is responsible for maintaining strict sanitation practices, to uphold food safety and product quality standards. The role requires close attention to detail and adherence to food safety and quality standards.

Our 1st shift positions are 3a-3pm on a 2-2-3 schedule and our 2nd shift positions are 3pm-3am on a 2-2-3 schedule.

Production Operations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates and monitors drain tables and a finesaver during curd processing.
• Measures and records curd pH, temperature, and moisture at key stages.
• Evenly and accurately applies salt to curd according to product specifications.
• Ensures smooth curd transfer to block-forming towers and addresses flow issues as needed.
• Reports equipment or process issues to the Maintenance Department and supports troubleshooting efforts to minimize downtime.
• Records production data, ingredient quantities, and lot numbers in digital and manual tracking systems for quality and traceability

Sanitation & Cleanliness

• Conducts pre-operational inspections and operates the Clean-in-Place (CIP) system to sanitize block-forming towers and related equipment; rinses and sanitizes drain tables between vats.
• Performs thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment, tables, and work areas during and after production.
• Follows all Sanitation Instructions including CIP and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) procedures.
• Conducts routine inspections of equipment and work surfaces for cleanliness and compliance.
• Handles cleaning chemicals safely and maintains appropriate chemical concentrations for effective sanitation.
• Supports pre-operational and post-operational sanitation checks to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Participates in audits and inspections related to sanitation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance.

Safety & Compliance

• Trains team members on standard operating procedures, safety practices, and quality protocols to ensure consistent performance.
• Complies with all company policies related to safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), GMP, and food quality; immediately reports any concerns to appropriate personnel.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making: Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension: Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness: Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation: Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Internally trained and certified to operate material handling equipment as required.

WORK LOCATION:

This is an onsite position located at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA.

Travel Requirements

Little to no travel required for this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel, and push and/or pull. The Team Member frequently is required to talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The Team Member must occasionally lift 55 lb salt bags and/or chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is consistently exposed to extreme, non-weather related heat, up to 100 degrees while working with product flow as well as exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and occasional exposure to outside weather. The Team Member regularly works with chemicals used for cleaning along with moving pumps and valves. Due to the loud noise level, ear protection may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary

Compensation Information

Pay Range for this opportunity is $23.00 - $28.75 per hour. Starting pay is based on job-related knowledge/skills, and relevant experience.