Lactose Operator

Sartori Cheese Brand•Crescent City, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lactose Plant Operator is responsible for producing high-quality lactose by managing key stages of the lactose manufacturing process, including operation of dryers, evaporators, crystallizers, and decanter systems. This hands-on role involves monitoring and adjusting processing parameters, performing routine cleaning and maintenance, and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality, safety, and sanitation. The Lactose Plant Operator plays a vital role in maintaining compliance with food safety and quality standards while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture.
Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

Nice To Haves

High Temperature Short Time (HTST) Operator license must be attained within nine months of hire.

Responsibilities

Operates equipment involved in lactose production, including crystallizers, decanters, evaporators, and bagging systems.
Monitors flow rates, pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters throughout the lactose process.
Troubleshoots operational issues and reports or resolves minor mechanical faults.
Ensures raw materials and consumables are available and properly staged.
Monitors product levels, temperatures, and flow in whey tanks, balance tanks, cream tanks, and the RO system; accurately records data on production logs.
Performs routine sanitation of all whey plant equipment in accordance with cleaning schedules; documents cleaning procedures per regulatory and company standards.
Complies with all company policies related to Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Immediately reports any food safety or quality concerns to supervisors or authorized personnel.
Trains new team members on lactose plant duties, operating procedures, and safety protocols.
Operates and monitors lactose dryers (spray dryer, fluid bed, or other) to ensure optimal drying parameters are maintained.
Adjust temperature, airflow, and feed rates as needed to ensure consistent product moisture and quality.
Conducts regular visual inspections to identify issues such as buildup, clogging, or abnormal noise/vibration.
Collects and tests in-process samples for moisture, particle size, and purity.
Performs cleaning-in-place (CIP) and manual cleaning procedures on the dryer and auxiliary systems as required
Controls the reverse osmosis (RO) and polisher systems to produce high-quality concentrated whey, adjusting flow rates, pressure, and temperature as needed; directs product to appropriate storage tanks and conducts in-process testing.
Manages whey plant cleaning chemicals, maintains proper inventory levels, and assists with receiving and storage of incoming chemical deliveries.