About Us

Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets. As a dairy cooperative, we are owned by the 1,100 dairy farmers who supply our high-quality milk. Our flexible, diverse plant network allows us to manufacture products and ingredients that are most in-demand – and provide a strong, secure market for our member-owners’ milk.

We’re looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we’re working to be the world’s best – to Be Foremost – we’ll bring out the best in you.

About This Opportunity

JOB TITLE: Process Operator
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay $20.75/hr. Shift increase after probationary period.

PM shift available, 5:00PM - 5:00AM, on a 2-2-3 schedule
Weekends and holidays are scheduled on a rotating basis.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for operating HTST pasteurizers, reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems, fluid milk separators and related process machinery/systems, in an efficient and productive manner, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Communicating in an appropriate manner with the operator that is being relieved to gain knowledge, such as present state of equipment and production run, to efficiently perform duties.
• Adhering to all Safety, Quality, and GMP standards while performing duties.
• Communicating with appropriate process operators to efficiently manage silo space and production schedules, reporting any issues to supervisor as needed.
• Perform job duties in accordance to all applicable FFUSA Quality Procedures (QPs)
• Perform Operational Job Duties as outlined in the Plant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)..
• Must be able to efficiently operate all equipment and functions of the Processing area including but not limited to Heat Exchangers, Fluid Milk Separators, HTST pasteurizers, Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane systems, and UV light disinfection.
• Monitor all aspects of the process to maintain a quality product that meets the expectations of both internal and external customers.
• Collect the required production samples at the appropriate times, document the results on the required forms and make appropriate adjustments if needed.
• Perform all required sanitation and CIP functions assigned to the Process Operator as outlined in the Plant Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) at frequencies outlined in the Master Sanitation Schedule or as directed by plant leadership..
• Change chemical barrels and/or fill as needed.
• Change recording chart paper when necessary.
• Document all required information on recording charts for all applicable equipment and CIP circuits to meet FFUSA and Regulatory requirements.

· Reports and record all deviations from specified operating parameters and Critical Control Points, as established by HACCP, Greenville Food Safety Plan and Plant SOPs and SSOPs.

· Must be available to work variable shifts and times to meet facility operational requirements.

· Performs assigned data entry, record keeping and process monitoring functions according to established procedures in an accurate and timely manner.

· Must be able to be an active participant on Safety, Continuous Improvement of the Process, and Hazard Analysis/Critical Control Point Teams.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

· Computer Skills: Ability to operate all information technology related business systems, programs and applications in a manner that achieves efficiency, accuracy, and relevancy of information processing and reporting as it applies to this position.

· Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as memoranda, invoices, company policies and various documentation. Ability to process routine reports and instructions. Ability to communicate effectively with employees of the organization and truckers. Ability to effectively present information to other employees of the organization and related truckers and vendors.

· Mathematical Skills: Ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to correctly compute rate, ratio, and percent.

· Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

· Other Skills & Abilities: Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines, such as a computer and keyboard, calculator, photocopier, telephone, etc. The ability to drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: T he physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 employee is frequently required to stand, sit, crawl, climb or balance. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle or feel, or use foot/feet to operate machinery. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and crouch; stoop; or kneel.

· The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 lb. to their waist height and occasionally lift and/or move 50 lb. to shoulder height. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

· Work Environment – Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne participles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

· Protective Equipment – Employee is required to wear personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the job being performed, including safety shoes/rubber boots, bump cap and other related personal garb related to food safety, including hair net/guard and rubber gloves.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a high school diploma/GED, knowledge of basic work procedures related to the job and one year of job-related experience. An Associate Degree in related field, or some college coursework and three to five years of job-related experience is preferred.

BENEFITS:

Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area, because you and your family matter. Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. Employees pay less than $150/month for single coverage and less than $270/month for family coverage, with low annual deductibles ($250/$500) to ensure financial security. Other benefits include:

• Sign-on Bonus + paid training
• Paid vacation and holidays; premium pay for holiday work
• 401(k) with a generous company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral program
• Advancement opportunities!

Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.