Production Associate- 1st shift

Job Title: Production Associate- 1st shift

Function: Operations

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: Hillsboro

Position Type: Full time

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 4 pm, Overtime as necessary

Hourly Rate:$20.50

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Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Production Associate looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Production Associate to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This positionwill play a key role in perform multiple jobs in a rotation on the line. The laborer monitors the manufacturing process, makes boxes, packages, and palletizes the product. The Ingredient Handler works in a team environment to manufacture cheese products to meet production demands

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Package finished product including box making, lining, filling, closing, and palletizing. 
• Inspect cheese products, packing, and boxes for damage. Report deficiencies to the proper parties. 
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements. 
• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.  
• Record production information on a tablet, scanner, computer, or by hand.  
• Identify variations in cheese manufacturing processes, troubleshoot, and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.  
• The Ingredient Handler includes learning the Mixer, Blender Operator, Cheese Grinder & Forklift positions. This opening will have an emphasis on Cheese Grinding. 
• The Mixer Position involves heavy lifting. Attention to accuracy in using the correct powders, lot numbers and ,amount in each batch. Required to weigh and mix dry ingredients. 
• The Blender Operator makes sure each batch that goes into the blender is correct. Help the forklift driver set up the batch. Assisting the cooker in whatever way is needed. 
• The Cheese Grinder Preps cheese grinder, bagging of cheese into specified amounts, as well as toting of the product. 
• Forklift Operator is responsible for setting up correct batches for the production run, getting lot numbers and changes in lot numbers to the cooker operator. Perform the maintenance checklist on forklift every morning before use. Clean up spills in a timely manner and keep work area orderly. 
• You will be required to help with breaks and anywhere else when needed. Keep work area neat and always picked up. 
• You will report to the supervisor or lead on duty. Qualified applicants must be able to perform all tasks noted above in a busy environment with limited supervision. Maintain good communication with the cooker operator. 
• From time to time you may be required to work other shifts or be temporarily moved to other departments in the plant. 
• Must also be prepared for any related duties Whitehall Specialties, Inc (within reason) assigned by the Supervisor or Management. 
• Attend all required company training. 
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.  

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Ability to communicate in English

Desired Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at View phone number on careers.ornua.com or View email address on careers.ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system.
E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Nearest Major Market: La Crosse
Nearest Secondary Market: Winona