Lactose Operator

SUMMARY

The Lactose Plant Operator is responsible for producing high-quality lactose by managing key stages of the lactose manufacturing process, including operation of dryers, evaporators, crystallizers, and decanter systems. This hands-on role involves monitoring and adjusting processing parameters, performing routine cleaning and maintenance, and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality, safety, and sanitation. The Lactose Plant Operator plays a vital role in maintaining compliance with food safety and quality standards while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment. Schedule: 2nd shift 3:00 PM – 3:00AM (Rotating 2-2-3 Schedule)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

General Lactose Plant Duties:

• Operates equipment involved in lactose production, including crystallizers, decanters, evaporators, and bagging systems.
• Monitors flow rates, pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters throughout the lactose process.
• Troubleshoots operational issues and reports or resolves minor mechanical faults.

• Ensures raw materials and consumables are available and properly staged.
• Monitors product levels, temperatures, and flow in whey tanks, balance tanks, cream tanks, and the RO system; accurately records data on production logs.
• Performs routine sanitation of all whey plant equipment in accordance with cleaning schedules; documents cleaning procedures per regulatory and company standards.
• Complies with all company policies related to Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality concerns to supervisors or authorized personnel.
• Trains new team members on lactose plant duties, operating procedures, and safety protocols.

Dryer Operation:

• Operates and monitors lactose dryers (spray dryer, fluid bed, or other) to ensure optimal drying parameters are maintained.
• Adjust temperature, airflow, and feed rates as needed to ensure consistent product moisture and quality.
• Conducts regular visual inspections to identify issues such as buildup, clogging, or abnormal noise/vibration.
• Collects and tests in-process samples for moisture, particle size, and purity.

• Performs cleaning-in-place (CIP) and manual cleaning procedures on the dryer and auxiliary systems as required
• Controls the reverse osmosis (RO) and polisher systems to produce high-quality concentrated whey, adjusting flow rates, pressure, and temperature as needed; directs product to appropriate storage tanks and conducts in-process testing.
• Manages whey plant cleaning chemicals, maintains proper inventory levels, and assists with receiving and storage of incoming chemical deliveries.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making: Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension: Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness: Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation: Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

CERTIFICATIONS

• High Temperature Short Time (HTST) Operator license must be attained within nine months of hire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION:

This is an onsite position located at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Little to no travel is required for this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The Team Member frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance on equipment/ catwalks, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Team Member is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear. The Team Member must regularly lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and maneuver barrels of chemicals weighing up to 550 lb. using a two-wheeled barrel dolly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is often exposed to extreme, non-weather related heat, wet and/or humid conditions as well as occasional exposure to outside weather. The Team Member is often exposed to hazards such as moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places such as dryer chambers, catwalks, toxic and/or caustic chemicals used for cleaning. The Team Member is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and minimal risk of electrical shock. Due to the usually very loud noise levels, ear protection is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.

Compensation Information:

Pay Range for this opportunity is $25.00-$31.25 per hour.  Starting pay is based on job-related knowledge/skills, and relevant experience.

Salary : $25 - $31