COOK OPERATOR

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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• All AMPI employees have an obligation to report employee safety, food safety and food quality issues to personnel of authority.

• Responsible for operating machines at a safe and efficient level according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to fulfill plant production demands.

• Operator will follow equipment procedures when performing start-up, shut-down, Clean In Place (CIP), and while troubleshooting equipment when appropriate.

• Responsible for following measurements, adding ingredients to the machine and overseeing the cheese blending process to ensure proper moisture content and consistent quality product.

• Record and maintain all related documentation, usage and ingredients per SOP.

• Document and communicate production deficiencies to supervisors and management.

• Report and communicate critical information during shift change overs.

• Use cooker thermometer and chart recorder to track cheese temperature, including the proper use, cleaning and storage of tools to ensure quality specifications are met.

• Continually monitor cheese and machines for compliance with specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

• Performs required product testing and communicate with the lab to maintain proper moisture content and ensure specifications are met.

• Provide assistance to the maintenance personnel for machine repairs or troubleshooting.

• Assist with general cleaning and housekeeping throughout the plant as needed.

• Adhere to all aspects of company and customer safety, sanitation, and site policies.

• Assist with training new employees.

• Adhere to all Quality, Food Safety, Safety and 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.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• 2 years relevant work experience 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.