Tower Operator PM

MINERVA DAIRY•Minerva, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tetra Pak Tower Operator monitors automated block-forming towers and associated equipment, linking the cheese-making process with final packaging. The operator ensures cheese curd flows from the Enclosed Finishing Vats to the 40-pound block station, maintains product quality through sampling, and manages bagging and vacuum sealing. The role also supports packaging-line operations during downtime, changeovers, and minor stops while following safety, sanitation, and operating procedures. This is a full-time position at Minerva Dairy in Minerva, Ohio. The schedule is a rotating 12-hour shift from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., with every other weekend off. Weekend and holiday availability is required as business and production needs dictate. Starting pay is $20 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work carefully within structured procedures and operating standards.
Strong attention to detail when monitoring equipment, recording data, and completing documentation.
Ability to perform consistent, process-oriented work over time.
Ability to recognize irregularities, follow response steps, and communicate issues clearly.
Dependability and follow-through on assigned routine responsibilities.
Ability to work effectively with others while remaining focused on individual responsibilities.
Basic mechanical or technical aptitude in an industrial, manufacturing, or water treatment environment.
Ability to work scheduled shifts and comply with operational protocols and site safety requirements.
Willingness to use required personal protective equipment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds periodically.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods.
Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
Availability to work weekends and holidays as required by business and production demands.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in food manufacturing or dairy production.
Experience operating automated machinery or HMI panels.
Experience in water treatment, manufacturing, plant operations, or a related technical environment.

Responsibilities

Operate Tetra Pak block-forming towers to produce consistent 40-pound cheese blocks.
Ensure blocks are hermetically sealed by the automated vacuum sealer before they enter the corrugate packaging line.
Use HMI panels to monitor equipment status, temperature, and vacuum pressure settings.
Position block liners on tower dispensing units to support block ejection and encapsulation.
Inspect bags and seals to ensure quality standards are met.
Communicate with Enclosed Finishing Vat (EFV) Operators about curd readiness, flow timing, and variety changes.
Assist the packaging line during blow backs, changeovers, and minor stops.
Collect product samples at required intervals for analysis.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety regulations.
Maintain a clean and sanitary work area and perform washdowns and sanitation tasks as required.
Monitor equipment, record data, complete documentation, recognize irregularities, follow response steps, and communicate issues.
Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and safely clear jams.
Follow site safety requirements and use required personal protective equipment.