LUB L2 Vat Trainee

Leprino Foods Company•Lubbock, TX

1d•$21 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

For our state-of-the-art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a L2 Vat Trainee. This is an overnight position. This position starts at $21.35 per hour then becomes $26.75 once certified. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay. The Vat Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning how to safely and accurately support all cheese-making operations from the milk standardization room through the DMC. Under close supervision, the trainee assists with ingredient additions, equipment monitoring, sampling, sanitation, and documentation to ensure consistent product quality. Once all required training and certifications are completed, the Trainee will advance to the Vat Operator position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age
Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
Ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments as necessary
Basic math skills to be able to perform mathematical functions
Ability to understand and apply standard operating procedures
Ability to maintain clean work area according to good manufacturing processes
Good communication skills to communicate with co-workers and oncoming/outgoing shifts

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in machine operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment are preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate standardization and vat systems — Assist with operating standardization controls, inventory systems, vats, and CIP systems while learning to recognize abnormal conditions.
Add ingredients accurately — Learn how to add starter, rennet, fortified milk, calcium chloride, probiotics, sweet cream, and whey cream according to the make plan.
Monitor milk flow — Observe and track milk flow through vats to support consistent cheese production.
Record make data — Accurately document make data and charts following the operating plan.
Collect and test samples — Gather samples and perform basic tests to monitor cheese production, including pH, fat, and protein levels.
Maintain sanitary conditions — Support CIP and manual cleaning to ensure all equipment meets sanitation standards.
Perform silo sampling and monitoring — Assist with testing silo samples before startup, entering results into the standardizer system, and monitoring silo fat, protein, and inventory.
Document ingredient usage — Record amounts of starter, probiotics, sweet cream, whey cream, calcium chloride, and rennet used during production.
Troubleshoot equipment — Identify early signs of equipment issues and communicate them promptly.
Communicate effectively — Work closely with co-workers, team leads, and supervisors to support safe, efficient, and consistent vat operations.
Follow sanitation procedures of all equipment at shutdown
Complete assigned GMP and housekeeping duties and maintain 5S standards as required
Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct
Complete assigned inspection program duties.
Complete paperwork accurately and in a timely manner. Know and understand the normal operational readings for all data recorded. Take action to correct problems should operations fall outside of normal process.
This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.