Relief Operator III

Sartori Cheese Brand•Crescent City, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Relief Operator (RO) III – Powders is responsible for the safe, efficient, and sanitary operation of equipment used in lactose and whey protein concentrate (WPC) processing. This includes, but is not limited to, separators, heat treatment systems, filtration units, crystallizers, decanters, dryers, and evaporators. The RO III ensures consistent product quality by actively monitoring processing parameters, adjusting controls as needed, and performing routine maintenance and sanitation tasks. All work must be completed in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality assurance standards to support optimal production performance and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency is required (GED).
3+ years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
1 year of Cheese-making experience is desirable.
Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
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.
High Temperature Short Time (HTST) Operator license must be attained within nine months of hire.
Bulk Milk Weigher / Sampler License
Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance on equipment/ catwalks, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and maneuver barrels of chemicals weighing up to 550 lb. using a two-wheeled barrel dolly.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
1 year of Cheese-making experience is desirable.

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 (GMP), 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 in 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.
Adjusts 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 test 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.
Operates equipment involved in whey protein concentrate production, including separators, heat treatment, filtration, evaporators, and bagging systems.
Monitors flow rates, pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters throughout the WPC process.
Troubleshoots operational issues and report or resolve 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 (GMP), 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 WPC plant duties, operating procedures, and safety protocols.
Trains and mentors other team members in all powders techniques and safety practices.
Responsible for promptly identifying and reporting process or equipment issues and malfunctions to ensure timely resolution and continuity of operations.
Assists in managing ingredients and supply inventory; notifies supervisors of shortages.
Assists maintenance with preventive maintenance procedures.
Performs autonomous maintenance procedures and master sanitation procedures as assigned.
Participates in internal audits, inspections, and continuous improvement projects.
Adheres strictly to company safety policies and wear required PPE at all times.