Pilot Plant Operator

Current Employees Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title Dairy Pilot Plant Project Coor Job Category Academic Staff Employment Type Terminal (Fixed Term) Job Profile Project Coordinator Job Duties POSITION SUMMARY: Plans, analyzes, manages, coordinates, and tracks projects and quality improvement efforts for processes, procedures, and systems. Provides management consulting to improve organizational results. RESPONSIBILITIES Project Coordination Develops, schedules, coordinates, and prioritizes project work plans in accordance with specifications and resource limitations Monitors progress toward project goals; adjusts schedules, priorities, and resources to ensure successful completion Develops, enhances, and maintains operational standards, systems, and best practices to support project, retail, and production teams Analyzes data and trends to compile progress and performance reports; provides appropriate conclusions and actionable recommendations Establishes, monitors, coordinates, and controls project budgets versus actual expenditures and budget reporting Serves as the initial point of contact for projects; represents project interests through active participation in meetings, committees, and stakeholder engagements Collaborates with the Plant Manager to schedule dairy plant production aligned with retail sales, short course needs, and research or pilot trials Coordinates with faculty and external clients to align plant operations with research objectives and client trial requirements Assists with the execution of plant trials as needed, working under the direction of the Plant Manager Organizes and oversees sensory panels and taste-testing sessions for Falcon Creamery products and client projects; collects and analyzes participant feedback for quality improvement Retail Sales Determines operating hours, assesses staffing needs, and supervises student workers to ensure efficient operations Manages student employee recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) orientation Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training checklists to ensure Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance Maintains inventory records and coordinates product ordering with the Plant Manager Oversees the retail food safety plan, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely updates Serves as primary contact for customers, vendors, and stakeholders, facilitating clear communication Identifies and develops retail sales opportunities, including specialty products and seasonal promotions Expands online sales with options for pick-up, delivery, and shipping Supports wholesale and large‑scale retail client engagement, managing orders and fulfillment Short Course Serves as the primary liaison for short course students, presenters, and affiliated stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and support Coordinates course agendas and presentation materials with presenters; prepares participant binders and other instructional resources Manages vendor relationships to fulfill course‑related requirements, including catering, lodging, and off‑campus event venues Collaborates with the Plant Manager to review and update instructional content, ensuring accuracy and relevance Delivers instruction of short‑course material to enhance participant learning Supports the identification of new course topics and contributes to the development of syllabi and comprehensive course content Partners with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) to design and implement a Dairy Processing Certificate Program Department Animal and Food Science - Dairy Plant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications Required Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science or closely related discipline Demonstrated expertise in leading successful projects Valid Driver’s License Knowledge of and experience with computer software Ability to accurately record information and develop reports Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with food safety rules and regulations Effective problem‑solving, analytic and organizational skills Ability to communicate and interact constructively with supervisor, faculty, fellow staff members, students, and the public Knowledge of the proper and safe operation of processing equipment Ability to exercise sound judgment in work‑related decision making Ability to perform routine maintenance of sanitation and food processing equipment, including the proper and safe use of tools used in equipment repair and maintenance Demonstrated knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and ability to observe general workplace safety practices Qualifications Preferred Master of Science in Dairy Science or closely related discipline Experience in an academic setting Ability to professionally assist faculty in research activities Commercial Driver’s License HACCP and WI Pasteurizer Certified State of WI Cheesemaker License Benefits Employees receive comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits at exceptionally low cost; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, see the quick guide available on our website. Work‑Authorization Notice UW‑River Falls does not offer H‑1B or other work‑authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). Title IX Notice As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW‑River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator or the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, can be viewed on the university’s website or by calling University Police at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Reasonable Accommodations UW‑River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community with the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to the Regent Policy Document 4‑21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Inquiries Sylvia Kehoe Search Chair View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr