ABOUT AMPI:

AMPI owns seven Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation's American-type cheese, processed cheese and butter is produced. The cooperative's award-winning cheese, butter 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 buttermakers and cheesemakers.

JOB SUMMARY:

The relief Operator will safely operate equipment and provide relief coverage to Clean in Place (CIP), Starter Operator, and Cheese Packaging in the cheese department. Knowledge of these multiple process functions, and ability to handle multiple job responsibilities is important. A conscientious person capable of responding to multiple activities is required. Skilled operation of equipment and tasks involved with each of the job areas is required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

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:

1. All AMPI employees have an obligation to report employee safety, food safety and food quality issues to personnel of authority.
2. This position has a heightened food safety and food quality responsibilities.
3. The Relief Operator will safely operate equipment and provide relief coverage to the Starter, Cheese Packaging and CIP positions for PTO and other relief while performing the assigned positions job duties.
4. Operator will start up, shut down, Clean in Place (CIP), monitor equipment operations and troubleshoot equipment when appropriate.
5. Responsible for operating various equipment and tasks including but not limited forklift, unloading and loading trucks, starter vats, CIP systems, manual cleaning of the cheese plant, and assist other positions and departments as needed.
6. Must be willing to work on short notice, with a shift that varies weekly including nights and weekends. There are standard hours when not covering vacation or other relief.
7. Maintain all related records and documentation per policy.
8. Document and communicate production deficiencies to leads and management.
9. Report and communicate critical information during shift change overs.
10. Monitor the composition of solids, and temperature; make adjustments based on the type of product produced.
11. Maintain good housekeeping and cleanup of equipment and supplies in your work areas throughout the plant.
12. Perform and record necessary tests at required intervals.
13. Make necessary Cheesemaker process decisions relevant to good vat operation and best possible yield and quality potential.
14. Coordinate product movement through make floor operations.
15. Responsible for continuous food safety and quality.
16. Continuously look for process improvement opportunities and effectively communicate to others.
17. 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.

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:

• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational and time management skills.
• Possess traits of honesty, integrity, creativity and flexibility.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the products manufactured and the processes involved.
• Thorough understanding of equipment operations, mechanical ability, ability to troubleshoot, and experience with automatic control instrumentation functions.
• Must be able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to communicate effectively in order to maintain high levels of confidentiality, safety, health, quality and efficiency.
• Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and company guidelines in order to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Ability to understand daily production needs.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills, with the ability to lead, participate, and/or work directly with teams and/or individuals.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and prioritize.
• Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment with the ability to adapt to a continually changing environment.
• Detail oriented, be quality minded.

Strong interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is preferred.
• One to three years relevant work experience preferred.
• Food manufacturing, material handling and forklift operation experience is preferred.
• Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP's, OSHA and loss control programs highly desirable.
• Technical knowledge of fluid milk and cheese operations preferred.
• Prior experience in manufacturing is a plus.

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.