Dairy Production Processors- 2nd & 3rd Shift
About The Position
Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, Iowa, is a family of companies dedicated to growing and manufacturing local dairy products. The Production Processor (Dairy Processor/Pasteurizer) supports production at the Farmers Creamery plant by overseeing the safe and efficient intake, processing, and pasteurization of raw dairy. The role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. Working with cross-functional teams, the processor helps ensure consistent product quality, efficient production, and continuous improvement. The position is offered on either a second or third shift. Second shift runs Sunday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; third shift runs Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work takes place in a food manufacturing environment and includes required overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles.
- Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and accurately record instrument data in English.
- Strong attention to detail and clear verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.
- Ability to adhere to safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing requirements.
- Team-oriented approach and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Positive attitude, high integrity, and alignment with Open Gates Group’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.
- Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.
- Adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards, including wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and having no facial piercings.
Nice To Haves
- Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience.
Responsibilities
- Operate production equipment to make safe, high-quality, consistent food products in accordance with GMP standards.
- Review daily instruction sheets and production requirements before start-up, and inspect equipment for cracks, leaks, or other potential sources of contamination.
- Rotate through production tasks, including testing milk acidity and monitoring agitation, temperature, and pH during processing.
- Meet established processing rates and production targets.
- Participate in equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
- Perform sanitation and clean-up duties to maintain food safety and operational efficiency.
- Maintain quality standards in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
- Stay current with required production technology and equipment operation.
- Uphold, support, and promote company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support business operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
