Roswell, NM - Cheese Brine Operator

Leprino Foods Company•Roswell, NM

3d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Leprino is seeking a Cheese Brine Operator for its Roswell, New Mexico location. The role operates brine equipment to control cheese temperature, dimensions, and consistency by adjusting conveyor speed and chiller temperatures. It also involves maintaining a clean environment and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), critical control points, food-safety requirements, and USDA regulations. The position is responsible for food safety and food quality and requires prior experience and comfort using computers to make adjustments to product specifications and parameters. The operator records cheese temperature, salt, pH, brine, and chlorine information in a computer; performs filter changes; sets shift parameters; and changes pipes and elbows to start the CIP cleaning process. The role requires mixing the appropriate amount of chemicals for equipment cleaning, with minimal chemical handling, and cleaning and sanitizing equipment according to company procedures. Work takes place in a fast-paced, 24-hour/7-day operation and requires shifts of at least 8.5 hours, including off-shifts, weekends, holidays, and required overtime. The work environment includes indoor ambient temperatures, potentially wet or slippery conditions, and varying levels of loud noise and temperature. Employees must use role- and location-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The role involves standing, walking, lifting and assembling or disassembling pipes, and may involve ladder climbing.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be able to perform essential job functions safely.
Must be able to work Sunday through Saturday, off-shifts, weekends, holidays, and required overtime in support of a 24-hour/7-day operation.
Must be able to work a minimum of 8.5 hours.
Prior experience and comfort using computers are required; the role requires computer adjustments to meet product specifications and parameters.
Demonstrated ability to complete work assignments with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to perform basic mathematical functions and intermediate mathematical calculations.
Good communication skills and ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Good time-management skills and ability to work independently without direct supervision.
Ability to interpret data and make necessary decisions.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to stand and walk throughout the shift and bend, squat, reach, and climb stairs or ladders as required.
Must be able to read computer screens for extended periods and meet applicable close, distance, color, and depth vision requirements.

Responsibilities

Operate brine equipment to control cheese temperature, dimensions, and consistency by adjusting conveyor speed and chiller temperatures.
Record cheese temperature, salt, pH, brine, and chlorine readings and enter the information into a computer.
Perform filter changes to maintain safe brine flow and product quality.
Set parameters at the beginning of the shift to ensure cheese meets temperature, brine, salt, and pH requirements.
Change pipes and elbows to start the CIP process, ensuring connections are correct to prevent product and water from mixing.
Enable the CIP process and mix the appropriate amount of chemicals to clean equipment at the end of the shift.
Clean and sanitize equipment according to company procedures and maintain good housekeeping in the work area.
Follow GMPs, food-safety procedures, USDA regulations, applicable safety rules, and other company procedures.
Communicate as needed with supervisors, forepersons, other departments, and coworkers.
Maintain accurate records and make necessary decisions based on interpreted data.