Production Operator

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Job Title: Production Operator
Location: Melrose, MN, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Land O Lakes
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Career Type: Operator/General Laborer
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: As stated in the Land O'Lakes Job Posting policy, all employees who post for an internal opening must inform their current manager at the time they apply.

Our growth relies on our extraordinary talent. Unlock your greatest potential at Land O'Lakes by continuing to make a difference, driving results and growing your career.

Production Operator

Pay Rate: $26.93 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour

Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; 2-2-3 rotating 12 hour shifts; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed.

Role Focus:

The AM/UF Operator role is responsible for running and taking care of machines that process milk that include pasteurizers and filtration systems, starting them up, shutting them down, cleaning them, and making sure they're working properly.
Logging data, doing tests, and making sure everything stays within quality and safety standards. There's some light maintenance involved, sanitation, following safety rules, and making sure communication between shifts and teams is smooth. You will also take part in improvement programs and safety checks to help things run better over time.

In this role, you will be a key member of our Land O'Lakes, Inc. manufacturing team, performing front-line production processes that add value and quality to the inputs and creation of final high-quality products. You will gain skills and experience of taking raw materials to produce our final products for customers. This will include operating machinery and equipment, packaging the final product. Join our team to become part of a member-owned co-op that is Rooted In Tomorrow.

This role is part of our Dairy Food business who creates dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness.We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and finding innovative uses for that milk, we add a little good to people's lives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Initiate startup, shutdown, CIP, and operate UF system, milk pasteurizer, concentrate plate, and cream pasteurizer.
Perform readings, maintain logs, and conduct necessary testing.
Monitor milk pasteurizer, concentrate plate, and standardization process.
Manage and sanitize fermenters and fermenter room.
Assist with Master Sanitation Schedule items and other cleanings as needed.
Perform light equipment/building maintenance.
Provide break relief for other associates (e.g., Turba, Pan, AM Barrels).
Communicate effectively for management/associate liaison, procedures, and GMP's.
Ensure communication between process technicians and shifts.
Complete Catalyst transactions as necessary.
Participate fully in Safety, LQMS, BRC, LPS, and LMS programs.
Follow sanitation and quality SOP's to ensure clean equipment for production.
Contribute to continuous improvement and LEAN Manufacturing initiatives.
Participate in the 5S program for a safe and organized environment.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of department paperwork.
Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP guidelines, and LQMS requirements.
Complete a minimum of one behavioral observation (BOS) per month for safety culture.
Demonstrate knowledge of machine operations and production processes.
Perform other duties as assigned by Shift Lead or Production Manager.

Required Experience and Skills:
Must be 18 years or older
1 year or more of work experience in any industry
Basic computer and math skills
Able to read, write, comprehend, follow verbal and written instructions in English
Willingness to learn new skills, problem-solve and troubleshoot
Strong collaboration, communication skills, and is always respectful

Preferred Experience:
1+ year of manufacturing work experience
Prior high-speed, high-tech manufacturing experience

Physical Requirements for production positions regularly include:
Able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds
Frequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements
Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment
Working in temperature zones that include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include areas where dust and chemicals are present
Required to work scheduled shift which may include weekends, some holidays, and periodic overtime

Grade:

Prod

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 10/08/25