CHEESE RELIEF OPERATOR

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperative’s award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. All AMPI employees have an obligation to report employee safety, food safety and food quality issues to personnel of authority.This position has a heightened food safety and food quality responsibilities.
   2. The Cheese Relief Operator will safely operate equipment and provide relief coverage to the Starter, Cheese Maker, Cheese Foreperson, Cheese Packaging and CIP positions for PTO and other relief while performing the assigned positions job duties.
   3. Operator will start up, shut down, Clean in Place (CIP), monitor equipment operations and troubleshoot equipment when appropriate.
   4. Responsible for operating various equipment and performing tasks including, but not limited to, forklifts, unloading and loading trucks, starter vats, CIP systems, manual cleaning of the cheese plant, and assisting other positions and departments as needed.
   5. Must be available to work on short notice with a variable weekly schedule, including nights and weekends, with standard hours when not covering vacation or other relief.
   6. Maintain all related records and documentation per policy.
   7. Document and communicate production deficiencies to leads and management.
   8. Report and communicate critical information during shift change overs.
   9. Monitor the composition of solids, and temperature; adjust based on the type of product produced.
   10. Maintain housekeeping, organization, and sanitation of equipment and work areas.
   11. Perform and record necessary tests at required intervals.
   12. Make necessary Cheesemaker process decisions relevant to good vat operation and best possible yield and quality potential.
   13. Coordinate product movement through make floor operations.
   14. Continuously look for process improvement opportunities and effectively communicate to others.
   15. Adhere to all Quality, Food Safety, GMP, and AMPI Safety Polices & Procedures, reporting any nonconformity.
   16. Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred
• Must be able to maintain a valid forklift operator license

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military and veterans are encouraged to apply.