Job Description

Summary

The primary responsibility of the Table Operator is to operate the drain table and fines saver during the cheese-make process. The Table Operator monitors cheese curd pH and moisture and transfers curd to the hoop filling machine. This position operates on a 2nd shift, 12-hour rotating 2/2/3 schedule in our food manufacturing/creamery facility located in Antigo, WI.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors drawing of the whey and cheese curd from vats to the table and whey removal from the table to the fines saver.
• Maintains proper curd consistency by operating mechanical powered agitators and shoveling of curd on the drain tables.
• Follows cheese making table recipes and procedures.
• Measures curd pH and moisture.
• Weighs and applies salt by hand to the curd following the cheese making table recipes.
• Analyzes curd moisture by operating a Foodscan.
• Analyzes curd pH by operating a pH meter.
• Connects and disconnects the table end unloading auger.
• Transfers curd from table to hoop filling machine.
• Rinses and sanitizes drain table.
• Enters table data, cheese making ingredient amounts and lot numbers into data collection computer.
• Performs pre-operational inspection of all table and fines saver related equipment.
• Reports maintenance issues to supervision.
• Anticipates needs, organizes duties, troubleshoots, and solves problems.
• Complies with all Safety, HACCP and GMP policies
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.
• May need to be internally certified to operate motorized pallet truck.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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.

• High school diploma or equivalency is required (GED)
• 2-3 years of experience in food manufacturing is desirable
• Knowledge of operator interfaces to operate automated equipment
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good computer and mechanical skills
• Ability to read, write or comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, cleaning procedures, safety instructions and memos.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other Team Members of the organization.
• Ability to read and interpret recording charts.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
• Ability to perform operations using weight measurements, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to solve problems involving several variables.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Tools and Equipment Used

The physical demands, work environment and tools and equipment used that described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand, walk, handle, feel, and push or pull. The Team Member frequently is required to talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel or crouch. The Team Member must occasionally lift containers weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The Team Member is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid condition, toxic or caustic chemicals and moderate heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be required to work with a pH Meter, Food Scan, thermometer, data collection computer, shovel, sanitation equipment, and other tools or equipment as required. Personal protective equipment that is required when working with hazardous materials or loud equipment includes: Safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves, hearing protection, face shield, chemical resistant apron and steel toe shoes.