Churn Operator

About the role

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation's largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 8 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 800 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.

"We strive to go above and beyond what's expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it's in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what's right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer an attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation.

Summary of Functions

Controls and operates equipment to make grades of butter using the continuous butter churn method.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Churn Operators are responsible for the proper mixing and blending of the butter that is produced.
• Maintain a high level of sanitation and cleanliness while performing tasks.
• Observe churn operations to ensure quality and conformity of mixing and blending of products to meet standards.
• Mix or blend ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times. * Weigh and measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
• Collect samples of products for laboratory testing.
• Keep accurate and legible records.
• Monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Inspect and analyze butter samples and make process adjustments.
• Responsible for the general cleanliness of the butter room and its equipment. The butter room must remain USDA inspection ready at all times.
• Knowledge and understanding of churn equipment and maintaining a pace consistent with butter operations.
• Reporting immediately to supervisor of any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning equipment.
• Aiding in the training of new personnel.
• Support a company culture of continuous improvement by participating in efficiency and improvement efforts.
• Following all safety, work, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules.
• Responsible for Food Safety and Food Quality.
• Performing other duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• Must be able to operate the equipment effectively after the appropriate break-in period.
• Must be able to be a leader/lead by example.
• Must coordinate break and lunch schedule for butter area.
• Able to train and cross-train fillers and floaters.

Education And/or Experience

• A High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.