Technician III, Operations

California Dairies, Inc.; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

California Dairies, Inc. is seeking an Operations Technician III to join our team in Bakersfield, CA. This critical role involves operating and maintaining dairy processing equipment to ensure quality and safety standards. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least 3 years of relevant experience.

You will be responsible for the efficient operation of our state-of-the-art processing equipment and ensure compliance with all regulations. A commitment to safety and quality in all processes is essential. Join us in shaping the future of dairy!

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills are necessary.
• Basic computational skills are required.
• Good judgment must be demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Operate HTST, HHST, UHT, and other plant equipment safely.
• Document safety and quality as part of the program.
• Standardize products via batching or blending systems.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal skills

Good judgment in duties

Basic computational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

3 years minimum experience

Job description

8801 Gosford Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93313, USA

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer‑owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Our state‑of‑the‑art Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic Ultra High Temperature (UHT) dairy bottling facility, Valley Natural Beverages, produces premium beverages in various formats, and these shelf‑stable products are shipped globally. We encourage you to be part of our team that is shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitivepay and incentiveprograms designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical,dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The Operations Technician III must be the most technically proficient member of the operations team and as such must have a high working knowledge of raw milk receiving, separation, batching, processing (HTST, HHST, UHT), filling, CIP, and packaging of ESL and Shelf Stable bottled milk products. Operations Technicians III are primarily responsible for standardizing products via a batching/blending system or an inline blending system and further processing the standardized product by means of HHST or UHT processing. Operations Technicians III will perform and document safety, quality, regulatory, maintenance, and sanitation activities as part of this role. Operations Technicians III can and will be called upon to support other plant activities and perform other plant duties.

Essential Functions

• Effectively operate HTST, HHSTs, UHTs, and other plant equipment in accordance with all plant safety, regulatory, quality, customer, and SOP requirements in a manner to meet plant performance objectives.
• Understand all operational and regulatory requirements associated with the operation of HTST, HHST, and UHT pasteurizing systems to ensure compliance to the PMO, CFR, and plant SOPs.
• Operate filling and packaging equipment used in the manufacture of low acid ESL and Shelf Stable dairy products.
• Operate batching equipment to standardize various fluid milk products, including addition of dry and liquid ingredients.
• Operate milk separators to produce daily skim milk and cream requirements.
• Perform daily CIPs, SIPs, AICs, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, walls, floors, doors, ceilings, etc. as part of a Master Sanitation Program.
• Perform and document daily tasks as part of Plant Safety Program, Plant Quality Program, CIL Program (clean, inspect, lube), Autonomous Maintenance Program, Equipment Center‑Lining Program, Defect Identification, and Preventative Maintenance Programs.
• Properly complete all documentation to meet regulatory requirements and plant SOPs.
• Perform all Operations Tech I and Operations Tech II job requirements when required to do so due to company needs.
• Ensure yours, your team members’, and all visitors’ safety by actively supporting and following all safety programs as part of a “Zero Accident” commitment.
• Ensure full compliance to all regulatory, customer, and plant quality requirements as part of a “Perfect Quality” commitment.
• “Make it Better”. Constantly look for defects and opportunities for improvement throughout all parts of the plant operation and personally lead necessary efforts to “Make it Better”.
• Bring value to the Team and strengthen the Team through your job performance, treatment of your team members, and effective communication.
• Understand all performance criteria and operating results associated with your area of responsibility and constantly meet or exceed these requirements.
• Maintain Plant areas of responsibility to ensure an inspection and tour ready facility at all times.
• Actively contribute during Daily Shift/Direction Setting Meetings.
• Complete and document CILs (Clean, Inspect, Lube), master sanitation tasks, quality checks, PMs (preventative maintenance tasks), and perform required maintenance on your equipment.
• Understand sources of waste and actively strive for “Zero Waste”.
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

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.

• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Basic computational skills required.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• A high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience or commensurate demonstrated ability to perform essential functions.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

N/A

Driving Requirements

N/A

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The work is performed in an office environment.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks, and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
• Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
• Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
• Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer

To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at [e-mail]. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.

8801 Gosford Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93313, USA