Operator-Coagulator-Fresh Mozzarella Production Department

Lactalis LAG•Nampa, ID

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose. At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed. As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together. In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®. At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued. Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. From your PASSION to ours Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring an Operator IV-Coagulator based in Nampa, Idaho. The Operator IV-Coagulator is responsible for the milk coagulation and curd set process in fresh mozzarella production. This role requires advanced technical knowledge, independent decision-making, and leadership capability to ensure curds meet strict quality, pH, and texture standards required for optimal stretching and final product consistency. The Level IV operator serves as a subject-matter expert and supports training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in cheese production or dairy processing required
Previous experience in fresh mozzarella production strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to run coagulation processes independently
Prior experience training or supporting other operators preferred
Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation practices required
Strong understanding of coagulation chemistry, acid development, and curd functionality
Proficient in the use of pH meters, thermometers, and process controls
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
High attention to detail and commitment to quality
Mechanical aptitude and comfort with industrial processing equipment
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Manufacturing environment with exposure to warm equipment and food-grade chemicals
Standing for extended periods; lifting and manual handling required
Use of required PPE at all times

Responsibilities

Independently operate and oversee the milk coagulation process for fresh mozzarella production
Verify milk quality, volume, and temperature before processing
Add starter cultures, direct acid, and rennet according to established formulations and process standards
Monitor and control critical parameters, including temperature, pH development, coagulation time, agitation, and curd firmness
Evaluate curd set and determine precise timing for cutting and whey drainage
Cut curds to achieve target moisture and acid development for stretch-ready mozzarella
Determine curd readiness and coordinate handoff to stretching and molding operations
Troubleshoot complex process issues such as weak set, over- or under-acidification, texture defects, and yield loss
Make real-time process adjustments to maintain product specifications
Operate, inspect, and maintain coagulation vats, agitators, and cutting systems
Lead and support Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation activities, ensuring compliance with food safety standards
Complete and review batch records, pH logs, and production documentation
Support production scheduling, start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns
Serve as a technical resource and mentor to Level I–III operators
Assist supervisors with process improvements, audits, and training initiatives
Follow all GMP, HACCP, food safety, and workplace safety requirements