Raw Milk Receiver

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.•Hammond, LA

About The Position

The Raw Milk Receiver is responsible for the safe and sanitary receipt, testing, unloading, documentation, and wash preparation of incoming raw milk tankers. The role helps ensure product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to plant safety standards. Duties include verifying tanker seals and wash information, inspecting and sampling milk, performing required tests, preparing receiving silos, unloading tankers, documenting activities, monitoring cleaning systems, inspecting washed tankers, and following sanitation and safety procedures. The position requires compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation requirements, chemical safety procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and required personal protective equipment (PPE). Work may involve outdoor weather, tanker tops and ladders, heavy lifting, repetitive physical tasks, and extended periods in very hot, very cold, wet, and humid conditions. Prairie Farms is a farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1938. Its stated mission includes producing high-quality dairy products, conducting business with professional integrity, exceeding customer and consumer expectations, supporting communities sustainably, and serving its farm families, employees, and communities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Completed Chemical Safety Training within the past 12 months.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Ability to comply with all GMP standards and sanitation requirements.
Ability to work well with others and maintain a safe, clean work area.
Ability to climb ladders and tanker tops safely.
Ability to work safely and efficiently.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Ability to work in varying temperatures and around moisture, chemicals, and food processing.
Ability to complete daily reports.
Ability to work without direct supervision.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Leadership, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
Coachability and willingness to learn.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read and write English and perform basic math calculations.
Effective time management and prioritization skills.
Critical thinking and effective decision-making skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Proficiency in essential tasks and willingness to learn.
May be required to work outdoors for the duration of a shift while staging and loading trailers.
May be required to stack and unstack items weighing 50 pounds from approximately seven feet high to the ground and back continually for the duration of a shift.
Must be able to work for extended periods in very hot temperatures above 100 degrees, very cold temperatures below 20 degrees below zero, and very wet and humid conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous warehouse experience, particularly in order picking and materials handling.
Familiarity with operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations related to warehouse operations.
Mechanical knowledge beneficial for troubleshooting equipment issues.

Responsibilities

Verify that back and dome seals are intact and match the corresponding paperwork.
Confirm wash tag information and verify compliance with wash time limits.
Inspect the tanker dome area for dirt, debris, or other contaminants before opening the inner lid.
Visually inspect incoming milk for discoloration, foreign material, and objectionable odors.
Collect milk samples using proper sanitary sampling techniques.
Conduct water adulteration, beta-lactam antibiotic, and, when applicable, aflatoxin testing.
Maintain State certification requirements for Raw Milk Receivers.
Verify receiving silos are properly drained and prepared before unloading.
Unload milk tankers after receiving and quality standards are met.
Accurately document receiving activities, test results, and silo assignments.
Prepare tankers for washing after unloading.
Monitor automated Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and verify proper chemical concentrations.
Complete and maintain CIP charts and cleaning records.
Keep milk samples properly refrigerated to maintain their integrity.
Inspect washed tankers to verify cleaning effectiveness.
Reassemble hand-cleaned components as required.
Return completed paperwork to haulers and properly reseal tankers.
Maintain awareness of workplace hazards and proactively prevent unsafe conditions, especially slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when servicing or working around equipment.
Handle, store, and use chemicals in accordance with SSOP requirements and plant procedures.
Wear required PPE, including appropriate eye, hand, and skin protection.
Perform other duties as assigned.