Cedar Valley Cheese is always seeking talented and dedicated individuals to be a part of our team. Potential opportunities are available across a variety of departments, including:
- Cheese Production
- Cheese Shredding
- Cheese Packaging
- Warehouse Personnel
- Maintenance Personnel
- Milk Hauling
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and consider candidates for every role without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to our team, we encourage you to apply and grow with us.
CURRENT JOB OPENING(S) WE ARE LOOKING TO FILL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
** Cedar Valley Cheese is currently looking for TWO (2) Cheesemakers to work on our 2nd Shift **
The Cheese Maker is responsible for producing cheese by operating various equipment including the milk pasteurizer, milk separator, and cheese vats. This role ensures that all cheese-making processes meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. This is a 2nd shift role Monday through Friday with frequent Saturdays. Saturday hours range from six hours up to a full shift.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Sanitizes and sets up cheese-making equipment.
Responsible for the daily start-up of the cheese making process.
Operating cheese vats and related equipment.
Prepare piping for switching milk silos and document silo activity.
Operates HTST Pasteurizer according to regulatory and plant standards.
Operates a Milk Separator and standardizer to achieve the correct milk composition.
Operates milk and cheese testing equipment, such as Milko-scan and pH meter, to
ensure the product meets specifications.
Operates a multiple-tank CIP (Clean-in-Place) system.
Add starter cultures and enzymes for the cheese-making process.
Follow all cheese-making procedures, including temperature control, cook times,
milk fill volumes, adding ingredients, and lot tracking.
Performs pre-operation inspection of vats and other equipment, addressing any issues.
Monitors and adjusts cheese-making processes to accommodate changes in milk
supply, starter activity, equipment performance, or other variables.
Troubleshoot, problem-solve, and anticipate needs during the production process.
Analyzes cheese and milk chemistry results, collaborating with supervisors to make necessary process adjustments.
Sanitize cheese vats, piping, and other equipment.
Communicate production issues with team members, supervisors, and
maintenance personnel to ensure smooth operations.
Records data related to cheese production using computerized systems and written documentation.
Set up and assist in maintaining Milko-scan equipment as per company procedures.
Adhere to company Safety policies and regulatory requirements, including HACCP
and GMP protocols.
Immediately report any food safety or quality concerns to management or an authorized representative.
Support and maintain a clean and sanitary work environment by performing routine and thorough cleaning tasks throughout the plant, including but not limited to rinsing, scrubbing, and following sanitation protocols.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
18 years old, required.
High school diploma or equivalency, preferred.
Food manufacturing experience, required.
Cheese-making experience is desirable.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Proficient in operating automated equipment using operator interfaces.
Strong computer and mechanical skills.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operation procedures, and other technical documents.
Proficient in basic math, including measurements, fractions, and percentages, and be able to interpret record data.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to apply practical knowledge to resolve issues related to equipment and processes.
Reliable, punctual and able to follow instructions.
CERTIFICATIONS
Wisconsin Pasteurizer Operator Certification
Wisconsin Cheese Maker’s License
** We will assist you in getting these qualifications. **
WORK LOCATION:
On-site at W3111 Jay Road, Belgium WI 53004
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
No travel required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical requirements for this role include frequent standing, walking, using hands, and communicating verbally. The role may occasionally involve reaching, climbing, stooping, or kneeling. The ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds is required. Vision abilities needed include close, distance, and color vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus.
WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT
The work environment involves exposure to non-weather-related extreme heat, wet or humid conditions, and loud noise levels. The role also includes handling hazardous chemicals and working around moving mechanical parts.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be required to work with the HTST pasteurizer, silos and tanks, milk separator, cheese making vats, positive displacement and UF, centrifugal pumps, pH meter, Milko-scan, thermometers, recording charts, panel view computer, data collection computer, multi-tank CIP system, cheese make utensils, hand tools and others as required.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Personal protective equipment that is required when working with hazardous materials or loud equipment includes: safety goggles, rubber or latex gloves, lab coat and hearing protection. Other recommended PPE includes face shield, chemical resistant aprons and steel toe shoes/boots. See Chemical Hygiene Plan for details.
