2nd shift Production Processor (Dairy Processor/Pasteurizer)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Open Gates Group is a family of companies based near Kalona, IA, dedicated to supporting our employees and enriching our community. Deeply rooted in commitment to local farmers, we started with a creamery and have since grown to include 10 additional food industry businesses. Today, we proudly help source, produce, sell, and transport high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores across the nation. Our Organic Milk comes from grass-fed cows on small, family-owned farms that prioritize sustainability. We pasteurize our milk at the lowest temperature allowed by law (never ultra-pasteurized or sterilized) and keep it non-homogenized with a rich, delicious cream top. We’re looking for a Production Processor to join our team at Kalona Creamery!

Kalona Creamery has a long legacy of producing fresh, squeaky cheese curds, and customers come from miles away just to watch their production from our large viewing windows. The Kalona Creamery Production Processor is responsible for the manufacturing of high-quality food products while meeting safety, quality, and production standards. This position oversees the setup, operation, packaging, and cleaning of production equipment related to cheese, hummus, and yogurt manufacturing. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Typical shift hours are Monday-Friday, 10am to 7pm.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment to produce safe, high-quality, and consistent food products in accordance with GMP standards.
• Review daily instruction sheets and production requirements prior to start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cracks, leaks, or other potential sources of contamination.
• Rotate through multiple production tasks, including testing milk acidity and monitoring agitation, temperature, and pH during processing.
• Meet established processing rates and production targets.
• Participate in equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Perform sanitation and clean-up duties to maintain food safety and operational efficiency.
• Maintain quality standards in accordance with State and Federal regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with required production technology and equipment operation.
• Uphold, support, and promote all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support successful business operations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles.
• Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and accurately record instrument data in English.
• Strong attention to detail with clear verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.
• Ability to adhere to all safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing requirements.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Positive attitude, high integrity, and alignment with OG’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.

Requirements/Work Environment

• Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet floors, temperature variation, noise, and moving equipment.
• Regular exposure to food allergens and cleaning/sanitation chemicals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Required adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards necessary for a food manufacturing environment, such as wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and no facial piercings.
• Must be able to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.

Our Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, STD & LTD, and MATCHING 401k after 60 days of employment.
• Benefit Bonus/Stipend
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO
• Opportunity for advancement
• Discounted employee purchases!
• Unique, entrepreneurial culture!