Cheese Grading Technician

Cheese Grading Technician - Norwood MN
Be part of a legacy of excellence at Bongards Premium Cheese.

Who We Are:
Since 1908, Bongards has been a leader in the dairy industry. As one of the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperatives in the U.S., we process millions of pounds of milk daily while staying true to our roots—delivering unparalleled quality at every step. Our success is built upon our core values of teamwork, hard work, integrity in all that we do, customer focus and a passion for excellence.

At Bongards, we foster a culture where every voice matters, employees are empowered, and teamwork drives excellence.

Position Summary: Bongards Premium Cheese is looking for a dedicated, dynamic and experienced individual to serve as a Cheese Grading Technician at our Norwood Processing Facility. Support the Operations Department by evaluating all incoming raw cheese from internal and external sources and communicate results to technical services so cheese can be used most effectively for process cheese manufacture. Work directly with Quality Control, R&D, and Production to manage a program that streamlines cheese inputs for specific formulations.

What You’ll Do:

• Cheese grading using standard USDA practices
• Running analysis for basic cheese chemistry and physical performance characteristics (melts, browning, etc.) prior to release to Operations.
• Maintain and communicate test results to appropriate departments (Operations, Technical Services, QC, Purchasing/Procurement)
• Product/Process Maintenance: perform data collection and statistical analysis to identify product/process capabilities and support improvements
• Continue technical education as needed to maintain job skills
• Help develop sampling procedures for individual suppliers to represent the best sampling technique to achieve the average moisture for the vat/barrel.
• Must be able to fill in for the Tech Service Analyst and Tech Service Manager when they are PTO.

What You Bring:

• High school degree or higher, some advanced training in cheese analysis is a plus.
• One to three years of experience in food processing or testing preferred.
• Dairy (cheese) experience is not required but would be extremely beneficial.
• Work ethic, motivation and drive, ability to keep your self on task and be accountable
• Excellent oral and written communications to team members, and for record/note keeping
• Willingness and ability to work within a team environment
• Possess strong computer skills, primarily proficient with Excel.

For Your Contributions:

• Pay Range of $22 to $26 per hour
• Medical – Prescription Drug – Dental – Vision
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) with company match
• Disability, life and voluntary insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Profit Sharing
• Internal Career Opportunities

Working Conditions:

• Office in a food manufacturing environment, some office setting.
• Extended periods of sitting, standing and typing on a computer is required.
• Occasional lifting may be required, up to 50 pounds.

Why Join Us?
At Bongards, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of team work and continuous improvement. Our team shares a true passion for producing safe, high-quality dairy products. Here, your efforts are not just valued—they’re rewarded with opportunities for growth and success.

Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’re passionate about quality, teamwork, and problem-solving, we’d love to hear from you.

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)