Job Type:

RegularThe Lactose Operator II is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of all equipment and machinery related to lactose processing. This position also performs Clean In Place cycles, keeping all equipment and the processing environment clean and sanitized.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate all the key pieces of dairy processing equipment in the Lactose department, performing CIP as needed and per schedule.

• Successfully follow complex procedure equipment start-up.
• Proficiently run equipment involving emptying crystallization tanks, and refining lactose crystals before drying into Lactose powder.
• Regulate factors such as solids and temperature, making adjustments depending on the type of product to be produced.
• Take frequent readings, logging up to fifty variables.
• Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles, troubleshooting and maintenance of machinery.
• Clean and sanitize all parts and areas of the Lactose department including walls, floors and equipment.
• Assist with product processing and packaging including handling of 25 kg bags.
• Maintain knowledge of product flow’s and trace piping, troubleshooting as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of valves and pumps.

  Le Sueur Cheese only

• Proficiently operate pharma equipment and processes including Granulac and Duralac processes.
• Proficiently complete processes include reprocessing lactose, addition of processing aids, heating and dissolution, filtration and operation of a filter press, secondary crystallization, drying Granulac with product separation at startup and shut down, operation of beta mix tanks, drum dryer, milling, product classification and packaging in drums or boxes.
• The pharmaceutical process requires extensive log sheet and data recording, process deviation documentation, and trouble shooting.
• Change dust collector socks and perform light preventative maintenance and valve repair.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Safety Protocol
  • Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
  • Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
  • Support safety policies and programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications:

Education Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience Required:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment required.
• Experience with the operation of pharmaceutical equipment and related processes. (Le Sueur only)

Certification/Licensure Required:

• None

Skills Required:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
• Able to legibly document work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment.
• Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity