Freeze Dryer Operator

Glanbia•Gooding, ID

About The Position

The Freeze Dryer Operator handles the operation of equipment used to process whey at Glanbia Dairy Nutrition’s Gooding Whey Plant. The role includes operating and monitoring processing and packaging equipment, maintaining equipment and Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems, collecting samples, and following food-safety and occupational-safety requirements. The operator also supports sanitation, accurate recordkeeping, training, and continuous improvement while working in a production environment that may involve cold, dusty, noisy, humid, hot, or otherwise hazardous conditions. The position reports to the Production Team Leader and is an hourly role in the Production department. Regular and timely attendance is required, and the operator must be able to work weekends and overtime as required.

Requirements

Must be mechanically inclined.
Must have no lifting restrictions.
Self-motivated and able to work with little supervision.
Able to work in cold temperatures as low as negative 35 degrees and in dusty conditions, and go up and down stairs.
Accurate in taking samples and performing tests.
Able to operate, or learn to operate, necessary equipment.
Excellent record in safety, attendance, and punctuality.
Able to stand and walk for the entire shift if needed.
Able to read and write instructions in English.
Knowledge of proper use of cleaning chemicals.
Able to work weekends and overtime as required.
Frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; occasionally walk and lift or move 26 to 60 pounds; rarely stand, sit, talk or hear, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms.
Meet the role’s vision requirements, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and ability to adjust focus.
May be exposed to noise levels of 85 or higher requiring hearing protection, humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather, fumes and toxic chemicals, moving mechanical parts, elevated areas with fall risk, or electrical-shock risk.

Nice To Haves

Computer experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

Efficiently operate whey-processing equipment, including the freeze dryer, hydroflaker, packaging equipment, and sterile filter if required.
Collect required samples and deliver them to the laboratory.
Monitor equipment operation and make adjustments to produce high-quality products.
Troubleshoot equipment to improve and maintain operating efficiency.
Operate and maintain Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems.
Safely handle, measure, mix, and dispose of cleaning and sanitizing chemicals according to established procedures, safety data sheets, and company safety policies.
Keep the work area clean and uncluttered.
Assist with training other people or operators.
Read Standard Operating Procedures and help update them when possible.
Take readings and complete equipment log sheets.
Clean the interior and exterior of the plant as part of master sanitation.
Monitor and report product spills, safety hazards, and equipment problems.
Participate in team activities, including HACCP and food safety.
Comply with applicable occupational safety and health standards, rules, regulations, and orders.
Comply with applicable food-safety regulations and mandates, including Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Administration requirements, and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and timely attendance.
Work weekends and overtime as required.