Ice Cream Operator

Ice Cream Operator

The Ice Cream Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used throughout the ice cream production and packaging process, including mixing, freezing, extrusion, filling, and both primary and secondary packaging. This role ensures product quality, safety, and consistency while supporting efficient production flow, sanitation standards, and cross-functional teamwork.

Production & Processing Operations

• Prepare and process ice cream mixes, including measuring and adding ingredients according to formulations.
• Operate flavor vats, ensuring proper blending, temperature control, and batch accuracy.
• Operate and monitor continuous freezers, adjusting settings for overrun, viscosity, and temperature.
• Set up, operate, and monitor extrusion equipment for producing novelties and specialty products.
• Perform machine adjustments for speed, temperature, and product specifications during production runs.
• Conduct equipment changeovers and ensure proper sanitation between product runs.

Filling & Primary Packaging

• Operate and monitor filler machinery to ensure proper filling, sealing, labeling, and date coding.
• Verify that product, packaging materials, and labels match production specifications.
• Perform regular quality checks for fill weight, seal integrity, and packaging appearance.

Secondary Packaging & Palletizing

• Operate case packers, labelers, palletizers, and related machinery.
• Verify correct packaging materials and labels for each run.
• Palletize finished goods and stage for storage or shipment.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conduct in process quality checks for weight, texture, mix quality, flavor accuracy, and visual appearance.
• Follow all FDA, HACCP, SQF, and GMP food safety and sanitation requirements.
• Document production, quality, and sanitation data accurately and promptly.
• Report deviations, equipment issues, or safety concerns immediately.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform basic troubleshooting on production equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance technicians for needed repairs.
• Ensure that equipment is cleaned, sanitized, and maintained according to SOPs.

Safety, Sanitation & Teamwork

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all safety protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with production, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Perform daily cleaning, sanitation, and production setup tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational or business needs.

Position Specifications and Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical training in food processing preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience in dairy or food manufacturing preferred but not required.
• Experience with fillers, freezers, extrusion equipment, or packaging machinery a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate and adjust mechanical production equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions, formulations, and SOPs.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work flexible hours as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Environmental exposure to warehouses stored at ambient (60-70 F), refrigerated (35 F), and frozen (minus 20 F) temperatures.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for short distances on a regular basis.
• Subject to up to at least 92db's
• Lifting: up to 20 lbs. occasionally
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basis
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist occasionally
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities that must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Ability to work in ambient, refrigerated, and frozen environments.