HTST/Whey Processing Operator

Sugar Mountain•Shullsburg, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Beecher's Handmade Cheese is opening a new cheesemaking facility in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and is hiring an HTST/Whey Processing Operator to support pasteurization, whey processing, and quality standards. Team members will begin onboarding and training around December 7 as the facility prepares to start cheesemaking operations between December 7 and December 15. This is an opportunity to join the facility at launch and help establish its cheesemaking culture, processes, and traditions. The operator will run and monitor HTST pasteurization and whey processing equipment, coordinate milk flow with production schedules, maintain regulatory records, perform cleaning and sanitation procedures, and support safe whey transfers. The role requires compliance with food safety, regulatory, sanitation, and plant safety requirements, along with accurate documentation and communication of concerns. The position offers a consistent four-day work week with 10-hour shifts and a starting rate of $25.00 per hour. Beecher's describes opportunities to learn a craft, grow skills, and contribute to a culture of craftsmanship and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Wisconsin HTST Certification is required.
Previous food manufacturing or dairy experience is required.
Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and work instructions accurately.
Strong attention to detail and ability to complete documentation correctly.
Willingness to learn and work across multiple production areas.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to safely operate equipment and follow all required safety procedures.
Strong communication skills and willingness to support teammates wherever needed.
Understanding of quality standards and commitment to producing exceptional products.
Desire to grow skills and contribute to a culture of craftsmanship and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor the HTST pasteurization system in compliance with PMO, regulatory, and company requirements.
Verify and document pasteurization data, including time, temperature, flow rate, cut-in/cut-out performance, and required seal checks.
Maintain accurate pasteurization records and charts in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Coordinate milk flow and cheese vat fill timing to support production schedules.
Perform routine time checks, seal checks, and operational verifications on pasteurization equipment.
Operate whey processing equipment, including whey cream separators, cheese fines recovery systems, reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems, and reuse water polishing systems.
Support whey tanker loadout activities and ensure product transfers are completed safely and accurately.
Perform CIP and COP procedures on pasteurization, whey processing, membrane, storage, and transfer systems.
Conduct and document chemical titrations, wash temperatures, cycle times, valve pulsing verification, and flow checks to ensure effective cleaning and sanitation.
Perform membrane system cleaning and sanitation according to established procedures.
Identify equipment, process, sanitation, or food safety concerns and promptly communicate deviations to supervision.
Maintain compliance with GMPs, food safety programs, safety requirements, and plant operating procedures.
Participate in regulatory, customer, and third-party audits, including demonstrating and documenting required time and seal checks.