Whey RO HTST Evap Operator

Job Summary

Operates membrane plants, evaporators, and HTSTs for continuous processing of whey, permeate, and water.

• Responsible for smooth production of whey permeate and water during the reverse osmosis, COP, and CIP processes.
• Ensures the smooth flow of production by verifying motor and pump operation, correct product flow to the silo, correct operation of ratio control valve, runtime specifications, and completion of production log sheets and HTST requirements.
• Ensures hourly readings and samples are taken and recorded to maintain proper pH levels, solids, color, chlorine, and temperature ranges according to specifications. Notifies supervisor if any readings are out of the acceptable specified ranges.
• Performs weekly membrane testing through locating leaking vessels and isolating them, replacing membranes and o‑rings as needed, and recording any changes made. Works with maintenance on testing.
• Ensures that product is correctly coded.
• Performs CIP by ensuring machine is shut‑down properly, changing flow board jumpers to CIP settings, performing machine change over to CIP on computer, completing the CIP log, performing chemical testing, and verifying completion and effectiveness.
• Responsible for timely and accurate reports of process loss turned in daily to the supervisor for recording of the product wasted.
• Performs routine maintenance on necessary equipment.
• Maintains a clean work environment.
• Attends required training and takes required quizzes to be proficient in room.
• Responsible for completing all safety activities, plant meetings, near misses, and BBSs.
• Completes all job activities following set safety and operational SOPs.
• Keeps record in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
• Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non‑negotiables.
• Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
• Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates. (Food Safety Modernization Act‑FSMA, Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Administration, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

• "Showing Respect" – Research issues & incidents with internal teams, business partners and customers in a collaborative manner that includes professional, honest and transparent communication.
• "Find a Better Way" – Work with internal and external teams to implement process improvements and/or procedural changes that eliminate non‑value added activities and drive more business value.
• "Winning Together" – Assist with training of new team members. Facilitate or oversee training and standard operating procedure reviews to ensure new hires develop proficiency of role.
• "The Customer’s Champion" – Proactively engage to support our customer needs on an end to end basis and strive to meet or exceed SLA timelines. Take ownership of customer requests and engage with internal teams as needed and within a timely manner.
• "Performance Matters" – Meet or exceed all key metrics in line with expectations for role. Continually update knowledge of products, product changes, processes and services offered to deliver a dynamic customer experience.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred; or related experience.
• Forklift and scissor lift certification.
• Excellent attendance and safety record.
• Desire to grow with the company.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to…