Batching Operator

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Regular Full-Time Manual Labor Columbia, MO, US

4 days ago Requisition

About Aurora Organic Dairy

Aurora Organic Dairy is committed to delivering organic dairy integrity, from cow to carton, to everyone, everywhere. Guided by our focus on animals, people, and planet, we produce high-quality organic dairy products while caring for our cows, supporting our employees, investing in our communities, and operating with responsible stewardship. Our team is driven by values that include organic commitment, compassion, teamwork, excellence, transparency, entrepreneurial thinking, and stewardship.

At AOD, every role contributes to meaningful work that supports safe, high-quality food, a respectful workplace, and a more sustainable future.

Purpose

The Batching Operator operates the blender, separator, thermizer, and remix systems, at both the automated and manual level, to produce milk with various standard butterfat contents that fulfill customer orders and meet strict company, state, and federal regulations and requirements throughout the entire process. This includes batching and blending dry and liquid ingredients to meet product specifications, as well as cross-training in milk receiving and milk processing to function as the operational link between those two roles.

• All plant personnel are responsible for monitoring and reporting any deviations from our Food Safety and Food Quality (HACCP & SQF) programs to their immediate supervisor.
• Operate the blender, separator, thermizer, and remix systems, at both the automated and manual level, to produce milk that meets exact product specifications.
• Transfer milk from raw silos to processing equipment and initiate the pasteurization process via automated equipment.
• Test samples of butterfat and solids content frequently throughout processing to verify state and federal ranges are being met.
• Monitor all stages of processing regularly to ensure temperatures, times, ranges, and other factors are being maintained.
• Partner with the lab to validate sample test results and take corrective measures when ranges fall out of specification.
• Perform and complete hydration testing on slurry batches.
• Maintain complete, accurate logs and documentation required by company, state, and federal mandates.

Cross-train in milk receiving and milk processing to serve as the operational link between those two functions and provide flexible coverage as production needs shift.

Other Required Responsibilities

• Maintain pumps, valves, and other processing equipment.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Processing Supervisor or Processing Lead.

Skills and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Degree in Dairy Science or 2 years in related field preferred.
• Experience in dairy milk processing preferred.
• Experience with computers and data entry preferred.
• Solid math skills are a must.
• Must know and adhere to proper milk handling procedures.
• Must understand critical nature of creating and maintaining mandated regulations.
• Detail oriented team member with a strong, honest work ethic and the ability to handle multiple tasks daily.
• Have ability to pass in-house certification for processing milk.
• Have ability to pass in-house certification for pasteurizing milk.
• Ability to learn procedures and tests done in lab for verification of butterfat and solid count.

Physical Requirements

Must possess the physical ability to work the entire shift on the plant floor working in a cool, wet environment with temperatures ranging between 34-80 degrees will be a requirement. Standing, walking, climbing, repetitive bending, repetitive stooping, repetitive reaching with arms and repetitive grasping with hands and fingers. Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 50+ pounds occasionally.

Must be able to work safely in a fast-paced environment working around production machines, warehouse equipment, forklifts, large trucks and tankers.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Aurora Organic Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected…