HTST/RO Operator

Dairy Farmers of America • Houston, TX

5d

About The Position

An HTST/RO Operator operates and maintains High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization systems and Reverse Osmosis (RO) ultrafiltration systems in a dairy processing plant. The role ensures milk and whey products are safely processed, meet quality standards, and comply with food safety regulations.

The operator starts and runs HTST equipment according to production schedules, monitoring temperature, pressure, and flow rates to ensure proper heating, holding, and cooling. The operator also runs and monitors RO systems, including startup, shutdown, and cleaning-in-place (CIP). The role performs product quality checks, documents process and maintenance data, conducts basic equipment maintenance, follows sanitation procedures, troubleshoots issues, and works with quality assurance, maintenance, and production teams to address production problems. The operator follows applicable safety, health, and environmental requirements and helps maintain a safe workplace.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Practical knowledge of lock-out/tag-out safety procedures.
• Good mechanical aptitude and ability to read and interpret equipment schematics.
• Ability to use computer systems for process control and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Technical certifications or vocational training in food processing or related fields.
• Bilingual Spanish/English skills for communication in multi-language work environments.

Responsibilities

• Start up and operate HTST pasteurization equipment according to production schedules.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, and flow rates to ensure proper heating, holding, and cooling of milk.
• Operate and monitor RO ultrafiltration systems, including starting up, bringing down, and cleaning in place (CIP).
• Conduct routine quality checks on pasteurized and RO-treated products, including butterfat analysis, titration, and other QA tests.
• Accurately record process data, maintenance activities, and quality control results in compliance with legal and company requirements.
• Perform basic maintenance and minor repairs on HTST and RO equipment; report major issues to maintenance staff.
• Follow sanitation procedures to keep equipment and work areas clean and reduce contamination risks.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and assist with production problems in coordination with QA, maintenance, and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations and maintain a safe workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED