Operator, Butter Packaging

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. At our Visalia plant, equipped with the largest single evaporator-dryer in North America, we manufacture milk powder, butter, and AMF. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

Our commitment to CDI employees: 

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The machine operator runs the butter packaging machines. They must follow all USDA, GMP, and safety regulations as well as CDI’s own standards of excellence. Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.

Essential Functions

• Set up all equipment and supplies as necessary.
• Check and verify all codes, labels, weights and packaging.
• Must be able to train personnel in all facets of butter packaging.
• Must be able to verify that the correct product is being packaged within specifications.
• Must be able to read a computer printout and follow a designated schedule.
• Must notify supervisor in the event that standards are not met.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and neat work area.
• Assist with break and lunch relief as needed.
• Responsible for all work being done in a timely fashion and done properly.
• Follow all company Policies, such as but not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safe Quality Foods (SQF), and Safety Rules and procedures.
• Required to climb stairs, ladders and work in confined spaced.
• Employee will be subject to temperatures ranging from 30 degrees F to 130 degrees F.
• Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance at work.
• Complete all paperwork neatly and correctly.
• Responsible for keeping all floors, walls, machines, and pipes clean.
• Other duties as assigned by management. 
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

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. 

• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
• Must be able to work in a quick and efficient manner.
• Must be able to read and understand all company rules and GMP’s.
• Must be able to work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures.
• Must be able to work well with other people.
• Basic computation skills.
• Has demonstrated the ability to run equipment efficiently.
• Must have the ability to read and understand written and/or verbal instructions.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum one month of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language. Proficient in verbal and written communication skills.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain a forklift operator license.

Driving Requirements: N/A

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times. General knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• The use of non-slip footwear is necessary due to slippery and wet floors.
• The use of rubber gloves as necessary to perform job functions.
• Constantly subjected to moving mechanical parts.
• On occasions will be subjected to chemicals including caustic, acid, and chlorine.
• Employee will be subject to temperatures ranging from 30 degrees F to 130 degrees F.
• Working area is noisy and may require that hearing protection be worn at all times.
• May be required to enter a confined space.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Each workday, the machine operator will do all three. Must be able to stand on feet for at least a two-hour consecutive time period and up to 8-12 hours.
• Lifting/Carrying: Each workday, the machine operator lifts up to 55 pounds on a repetitive basis. He will be expected, each workday to carry 55 pounds on a repetitive basis. Occasional lifting/carrying above 55 pounds may be required as well.
• Pushing/Pulling: Each workday, the machine operator frequently pushes and pulls up to, but not limited to, 55 pounds in a repetitive manner.
• Bending/Stooping: Each workday, the machine operator will bend and stoop often.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Each workday, the machine operator will sometimes squat. Occasional kneeling/crawling may be required.
• Twisting/Turning: Each workday, the machine operator will often twist and turn while carrying.
• Climbing/Balancing: Each workday, the machine operator will occasionally climb and/or balance.
• Reaching: Each workday, the machine operator will frequently reach in a repetitive manner.
• Grasping/Manipulating:  Each workday, the machine operator will frequently grasp and manipulate in a repetitive manner.

Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at [email protected]. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.