Oakridge Creamery Plant Operator

Position Overview:

The role as a Plant Operator is pivotal in ensuring that Oakridge Creamery's products reach consumers with the highest quality and freshness. Your responsibilities will include sanitizing bottles, separating cream, pasteurizing milk, and filling bottles. Additionally, you will monitor equipment, execute standard operating procedures, and uphold cleanliness and safety standards to meet regulatory requirements.

Primarily, this position will ensure the efficient operation of our facility, focusing on the production and packaging of high-quality products.

About Us:

Oakridge Diary's growing creamery just launched a new product called "Moozy," the first ever fresh milk in a can. The dairy is a progressive, majority family-owned dairy operation based in Ellington, Connecticut, dedicated to producing high-quality A2A2 milk. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement, Oakridge Dairy operates with a forward-thinking mindset-investing in people, and modern agricultural practices.

Responsibilities:

Health and Safety

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation according to regulatory standards
• Adhere strictly to health and safety protocols to foster a safe work environment

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to uphold product quality
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant efficiency

Production Line

Wash and sanitize glass bottles and milk crates

• Load empty bottles into bottle washer
• Load milk crates onto the sanitation conveyor
• Maintain inventory of empty glass bottles to meet production demands

Cream Separation & Blending

• Operate and adjust settings on cream separator
• Take milk samples to test butterfat levels
• Ensure milk and cream are correctly directed to storage tanks
• Add ingredients as required

Pasteurization

• Manage pasteurization equipment to ensure proper operation
• Direct pasteurized products to appropriate tanks or filling lines

Filling Bottles

• Ensure all bottles are filled to quality standards
• Ensure all caps are properly on and receive printed expiration date
• Remove filled bottles from conveyor and place in crates
• Move filled pallets into cold storage

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Execute all assigned SOPs efficiently
• Utilize FoodReady software to track tasks and inform management upon completion
• Monitor equipment performance and troubleshoot issues for continuous operation

Inventory Management

• Assist with inventory of ingredients, empty bottles, filled bottles, and caps
• Ensure sufficient supplies are maintained at all times

Personnel Support

• Support training and supervision of plant personnel as needed

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in food production or dairy processing preferred
• Ability to follow precise instructions, maintain accurate records, and ensure product quality and safety.
• Bilingual in Spanish Preferred
• Capable of lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods of time
• Willingness to work hard and get dirty

Core Values Fit:

At Oakridge Creamery, who you are matters just as much as what you can do. We are looking for individuals who embody our core values every day:

Strong Work Ethic – Take initiative, follow through, and get the job done right. Step up when challenges arise, take ownership, and be dependable every day.

Integrity – Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Be honest, transparent, and accountable for both successes and mistakes.

Humble – Stay grounded and always willing to learn. Put the team and the mission before personal pride, and support those around you.

Kind – Lead with respect and patience. Show care for coworkers, customers, and animals through your actions every day.

Team Player – Collaborate, communicate, and support one another. Success is built together, not individually.

Passion – Bring energy and enthusiasm to your work. Take pride in what you do and inspire others to do the same.

Hourly rate is based on experience. Annual earnings estimates reflect the current schedule, including overtime hours, and are not guaranteed.

Pay: $37,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Food Processing Plant: 3 years (Preferred)
• Dairy Production: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,000 - $53,000