CHEESEMAKER

Description ABOUT AMPI: AMPI owns seven Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation's American-type cheese, processed cheese and butter is produced. The cooperative's award-winning cheese, butter and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled buttermakers and cheesemakers. JOB SUMMARY: The primary role of the Cheesemaker is to safely follow all state, production, and quality standards, while operating the vats. This position is responsible for the start-up, shut-down, Clean in Place (CIP) and troubleshoot the vats. This position includes monitoring charts, maintaining records that pertain to the vats, and helping in all other aspects that pertain to cheese make floor. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time: All AMPI employees have an obligation to report employee safety, food safety and food quality issues to personnel of authority. This position has a heightened food safety and food quality responsibilities. Operator will be able to start up, shut down, Clean in Place (CIP), and troubleshoot the vats when appropriate. Operation and monitoring of all related equipment including but not limited vats, fines savers, and cheese belts. Maintain all related records and documentation per policy. Checking pH and total acid's (TA's) of whey and curd in vats. Takes temperature and moisture on product to control the process along with milk protein to fat ratios. Control vat deck screen/making adjustments if needed. Recording time, temperatures, and lot numbers on to make sheets. Reviewing cheese analytics and making adjustments if needed. Clean and sanitize vats, cheese belts, and fines savers adhering to all sanitation procedures and policies. Responsible for maintaining internal customer specifications. Responsible for making necessary cheese make operation and process decisions relevant to good vat operation to ensure the best possible yield and quality potential. Informs supervisor of any production issues. Housekeeping of the work area. Learn and operate other equipment as necessary. Responsible to ensure production of the vat starts and stops on time. Adhere to all Quality and Food Safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity. Adhere to all Safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity. Adhere to all GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity. Other duties as assigned. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job: Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills Ability to adapt effectively within a continually changing and demanding environment Demonstrate an understanding of the products manufactured and the processes involved Basic understanding of equipment operations and minor troubleshooting ability Must be able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to communicate effectively in order to maintain high levels of Safety, Quality and Efficiency Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and company guidelines in order to maintain regulatory compliance Ability to understand daily production needs Participation in a team environment safely Detail oriented, be quality minded Able to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment Possess traits of honesty, integrity, creativity, and flexibility. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is preferred. One to three years relevant work experience preferred. Food manufacturing experience preferred. Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred. Prior experience in manufacturing is a plus. Knowledge of HACCP, GMP's, OSHA and loss control programs is highly desirable. Ability to obtain a Cheesemaker and Pasteurizer license. Previous cheese make floor, starter production, or HTST operation preferred. BENEFITS/REWARDS: AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more. Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Military and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualifications Education High School (preferred) Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) Equal Opportunity Employer minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity. If you require reasonable accommodation to apply toward our positions, please reach out to 1-800-533-3580 or hr@ampi.com for assistance. NO AGENCIES, PLEASE.