Production Processor- 2nd Shift

Open Gates Group is a family of companies located near Kalona, IA. We care about our employees and take pride in our community. To help our community's farmers, we built a creamery and then 10 other food industry-related businesses. Today, we help source, produce, sell & transport Midwestern products to 3,500 stores nationwide. Our dairy products are minimally processed and come straight from Midwest family farms surrounding our creameries. We are currently hiring for a 2nd Shift Dairy Production Processor at Farmers Creamery.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Dairy Processor/Pasteurizer to play a key role in our production operations. This position requires technical proficiency, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to quality assurance. As a vital member of our team, you will oversee the intake and processing of raw dairy, ensure adherence to strict quality standards, and operate state-of-the-art pasteurization and separation systems. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Typical shift hours are Sunday-Thursday, 2pm to 10pm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage intake and production schedules to optimize efficiency and product consistency.
• Operate and oversee pasteurization and separator systems with precision and attention to detail.
• Conduct quality control checks, including monitoring product composition, temperature, and chemical properties.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Maintain meticulous records and documentation to support quality assurance and compliance.
• Lead daily cleaning and sanitation procedures to uphold food safety and operational efficiency.
• Receive, unload, and process raw dairy products while ensuring the highest quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes and troubleshoot operational challenges.
• Work comfortably in tight spaces and be adaptable to various production environments.
• Support and mentor team members in production-related tasks to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to contribute to the success of the business.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High School diploma or GED required; advanced technical training or certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, or a related field preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot processing equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and record instrument data with precision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including attention to detail in recordkeeping.
• Physical capability to lift, move, and push up to 55 lbs regularly.
• Stamina to perform repetitive tasks, including standing, walking, and bending for extended periods.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime as needed.
• Commitment to workplace safety and strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene standards.
• Experience working with allergens in a food manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Team-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Integrity-driven with strong alignment to our company’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.

Why Join Us?

We offer more than just a job—we provide an opportunity to be part of a thriving organization that values people, innovation, and excellence. We invest in our employees by offering:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Matching 401k
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• The chance to make an impact in creating quality, nutritional products

If you are a driven and detail-oriented professional with a passion for quality dairy products, we encourage you to apply and become a key player in our success.