Wet Process Operator Nights

VALLEY MILK LLC•Turlock, CA

102d•$23 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Valley Milk is seeking a Wet Process Operator with a current HTST Operator License to operate and monitor pasteurization and wet processing systems at its dairy manufacturing facility in Turlock, California. The role supports food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient production. The ideal candidate has dairy manufacturing experience, understands HTST processing principles, and contributes to a safe and compliant operation. The position is full-time and works 12-hour rotating night shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule, from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required as needed. The listed pay range is $23.00–$28.00 per hour. The work takes place in a manufacturing environment that may be wet, humid, hot, and cold, and involves working around moving mechanical equipment and food processing systems. Valley Milk describes its culture as built on safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, and states that it offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Requirements

Current HTST Operator License.
High school diploma or GED.
At least 2 years of experience operating HTST or similar dairy processing equipment.
Experience in dairy, food, beverage, or aseptic manufacturing.
Strong understanding of HTST pasteurization systems, dairy processing operations, CIP systems, food safety and sanitation practices, and GMP and HACCP principles.
Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams, operating procedures, and production documentation.
Basic computer skills for production reporting and documentation.
Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in milk powder or dairy ingredient manufacturing.
Experience operating PLC/HMI-controlled processing equipment.
Knowledge of evaporators, separators, homogenizers, and milk standardization systems.
Forklift certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Experience working in an SQF-, BRC-, or other GFSI-certified manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

Operate HTST pasteurization equipment according to regulatory requirements and company procedures.
Monitor, control, and document critical processing parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, pressures, and timing.
Receive, standardize, blend, and transfer milk and dairy products throughout production.
Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and Clean-in-Place (CIP) operations.
Complete HTST records, production documentation, and regulatory paperwork accurately.
Monitor product quality and promptly report or respond to process deviations.
Inspect equipment routinely and identify maintenance concerns before failures occur.
Coordinate with Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Receiving to maintain production schedules.
Troubleshoot process upsets while protecting product integrity and food safety.
Follow GMP, HACCP, food safety, OSHA, and company safety requirements.
Maintain housekeeping and sanitation in the work area.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.