We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high-quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment.

Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hire-top-notch talent who share our company's commitment to our customers and a passion for making the country's finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients.

Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full-time employees and their dependents.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Educational Reimbursement
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.)
• Free cheese!

Summary of Functions: This position requires an experienced person, familiar with all aspects of cheese production, along with the ability to make sound judgement calls as needed. This individual must work closely with the cheese maker in monitoring cheese development, with particularly close attention to acid development and the pH of cheese. These monitoring checks are critical to the overall development of the finished product and the consistency of the cheese make.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Restock starter media for daily bulk starter production.
• Restock Aqua Ammonia barrels as needed.
• Lubricate and install all curd line valves. Make sure all connections are in place to properly pump and receive cheese from vats.
• Rinse and sanitize inside surfaces of tables.
• Restock Sodium Hydroxide solution for acid titrations.
• Change out pH meter solutions (ie: Distilled H2O, Standards #4, #5 and #7).
• Notify warehouse forklift drivers to supply salt pallet as needed.
• Change chlorine solution in COP tank (200ppm) and confirm concentration.
• Fill chlorine fogger unit with a 200ppm solution for fogging under tables.
• Connect chlorine fogger up and fog under tables twice per shift.
• Ensure that all connections, valves, hoses are in proper working order before pumping cheese to towers.
• Check vacuum pumps to see that they are working properly and that all of them are getting adequate seal water.
• Monitor cheese pH and acid development on each vat of cheese. Wash and salt curd according to cheese development.
• Log all pertinent information onto Table Log Sheet (ie: Pump-over times, watering times, salting times, pH, acidity, tower acidity and time of pressing).
• Log all observations, equipment breakdowns and other useful information with regard to each vat’s make.
• Review cheese specs from previous days run for quality. Communicate any questionable specs with Cheese Maker.
• Communicate with block line scale operator to ensure that cheese is being properly labeled. Notify scale operator and tower crew of all vat changes.

Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities:

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP and SQF regulations.
• Comply with GMP’s in the plant.
• Assist in the maintenance of Food Safety and Quality System.

Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be a team player and a self-motivated individual.
• Meticulous attention to details.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Effectively handle lifting of various objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee will be required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb stairs.
• The position requires standing for extended periods of time.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is very loud. Ear plugs are provided for safety.
• Regular exposure to elements such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold or chemicals.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee regularly works inside and outside in all different types of weather elements.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Joseph Gallo Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer / EEO