Tower Operator (Nights)

Hilmar Cheese Company Inc.•Dalhart, TX

About The Position

The Tower Operator runs and maintains cheese towers and related equipment, ensuring assigned equipment is operated according to procedures. The role involves identifying product flows from HCVs to packaging, completing product transitions, troubleshooting and communicating plant or process issues, and maintaining equipment operation and sanitation. Duties also include operating CIP and COP systems, performing operator-based maintenance and pre- and post-CIP inspections, and taking in-process samples as assigned. The operator handles products safely, follows reforming procedures, and learns and operates computer-related processes and controls. The role places a high priority on food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety. The operator follows company policies and procedures, reports food-safety and safety concerns, and participates in root-cause analysis and improvement activities when required. The position also requires ownership of training and development, including activities that may take place before, during, or after shifts and on scheduled days off, as well as coaching and training teammates. This position requires working 12-hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. The work involves standing and walking for nearly the entire workday, performing a range of physical tasks, and working at heights and in fairly small areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Proficient English skills to understand, read, write, and speak English.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to work 12-hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
Ability to stand and walk almost the entire workday and to perform the job tasks within the respective area.
Ability to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
Ability to push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, handle and grasp, twist or turn, and perform repetitive bending.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
SAP experience.
Dairy manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Run and maintain cheese towers and related equipment.
Ensure assigned equipment is operated correctly and according to procedures.
Identify product flows from HCVs to packaging, including completing product transitions.
Troubleshoot and communicate plant issues involving related equipment or processes.
Understand and maintain the operation and sanitation of assigned equipment, including CIP and COP systems, operator-based maintenance, and pre- and post-CIP inspections.
Perform in-process sampling as assigned.
Notify and communicate with management or maintenance about equipment or process problems that could affect safety, food safety, or quality.
Learn and operate computer-related processes and controls.
Follow proper product safe-handling and reforming procedures.
Take active ownership of the training and development program and participate in associated activities, classes, and events.
Coach and train teammates and participate in on-the-job buddy training.
Follow food safety and sanitation policies and procedures; communicate incidents, observations, and opportunities to leadership or teammates; and participate in root-cause analysis and improvement activities when required.
Prioritize safety, report safety issues and observations, and follow up with the team.