Dryer Operator

Darigold is seeking a motivated Dryer Operator to join our plant in Pasco, WA. As a member of the Operations team, this person should possess the desire and ability to contribute to the success of the plant. Our plants create nutritious products 24/7, 365 days a year- availability to work multiple shifts, including weekends and holidays is a must!

The ideal candidate for this role excels in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple repetitive tasks. You have a strong attention to detail and are committed to producing high quality product. You also enjoy working with others to achieve team goals but can work independently without direct supervision. Must be available to work any shift.

What You Will Do

• Operate, but not limited to the following milk processing equipment: Dryers, Dryer concentrate equipment and all associated equipment.


• Maintain efficiency standards set for the operating area; Contribute improvement ideas and initiatives; Work with a Waste Reduction Mentality.


• Performs CIP and sanitation of the equipment in the Main Dryer area, Dryer concentrate area and associated equipment; maintains organization of the work area; and performs ongoing cleaning and preventative maintenance tasks in compliance with good manufacturing practices.


• Operate processing equipment to achieve and maintain finished products results within target specifications.


• Perform Quality Tests and component tests on milk constituents in accordance with company or regulatory guidelines.


• Perform routine equipment inspections.


• Ensures that tagging and identifying notifications on tanks are correct and recorded properly.


• Maintain accurate documentation as required.


• Submits timely and accurate reports.


• Assist with training new personnel.


• Maintain clean and safe work area.


• Follow all company safety, working, and Good Manufacturing Practice policies.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.


• Due to the nature of products produced and customer requirements, the entire dryer room facility will be categorized as a hi-care area. Employees subject to this area will be required to complete numerous clothes and shoe changes throughout the entire working shift.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred


• 1 year production experience preferred.


• Ability to work independently without direct supervision in a fast-paced environment.


• Work with others to achieve team goals.


• Must be available for multiple shifts in a 24/7 environment.


• Must maintain high attendance standards and be trusted with high responsibility.


• Must be capable of heavy lifting (up to 55 pounds) and stand for extended periods.


• Able to work all shifts, weekends and holidays.


• Must be able to stand/walk for twelve or more hours based on production finish.


• Must be able to climb stairs.


• Must be able to obtain and maintain certifications for equipment operations and any other regulatory agency requirements.

Nice to Have’s

• Previous dairy processing or food manufacturing experience.


• Ability to monitor several concurrent processes simultaneously is critical to success in the position.


• Strong attention to detail, must be able to complete multiple and repetitive tasks, must be committed to accuracy and quality.


• Ability to work independently without direct supervision in a fast-paced environment.


• Work with others to achieve team goals.


• Experience in a manufacturing environment, mechanical skills desirable.


• Strong computer experience for reporting and HMI screen management


• Ability to respond to variances in the process.


• Ability to organize and analyze process problems.


• Strong oral and written communication skills, strong computer skills


• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Processes

Starting wage:

$27.19 to $28.28 per hour

Benefits of Working at Darigold

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We’re proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes:

• Employer 401K contribution


• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits


• Employer paid life & disability coverage


• Paid time off and paid holidays


• 8 weeks paid parental leave


• Education assistance


• Employee assistance program

Our Commitment to Diversity

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.