Protein Operator (Nights)

ABOUT UDA:

UDA is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizona’s finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Our motto at UDA is “United in Excellence.” The dairy industry’s success isn’t built on one dairy or brand, it’s built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, you’re not just joining a business, you’re joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Process Operator is responsible for overseeing the lactoferrin production process to ensure efficient and safe operations. This role involves operating, monitoring, and cleaning (CIP) process equipment, silos, and production lines, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise. The operator must handle chemicals with care, communicate effectively with team members, and consistently follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and HACCP guidelines. Accurate documentation of all process activities is required, along with compliance with UDA policies and prompt reporting of any nonconformities. 

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•  Efficiently operate and monitor all lactoferrin processing equipment, including the startup and shutdown functions and adjustments of the extraction process, membrane systems, pasteurizer, and spray dryer.  
  •    Regularly monitor HMI system to maintain system pressures, temperatures, and production flows.  
  •    Conduct regular basic maintenance of systems, equipment, and tools throughout facility.  
  •    Monitor equipment function, including manual inspection which requires extensive walking and climbing ladders.  

• Work in a high care environment packaging finished product 

• Will take and analyze product samples 

• Keep accurate, detailed, and legible records and notes of daily operations. 

• Keep track and monitor all process Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA’s)  

• Performing Clean in Place (CIP) standards on equipment while handling chemicals to comply with federal and state sanitation laws 

• Adhere to and keep updated on all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and HACCP guidelines. 

• Maintain a high level of communication with various plants and departments to report any issues, delays, timelines related to production. 

• Always maintain food safety and quality standards, resolving and/or reporting compliance issues immediately. 
  
  *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong understanding of equipment systems which include computer systems, gauges, product flow, pressure, and temperature monitors.  

• Ability to operate equipment and various systems safely and accurately. 

• Ability to comprehend and implement CIP practices in compliance with UDA, state, and federal sanitation guidelines. 

• Ability to work in a variety of work environments which may include heights, confined spaces, slippery surfaces, and extreme temperatures.  

• Ability to perform and comprehend basic math equations. 

• Excellent time-management and self-motivation with the ability to complete routine tasks, accurately and with minimal supervision.  

• Team-player that is willing to assist others in a variety of plant functions, when needed. 

• Ability to take detailed, accurate, and legible notes. 

• Basic understanding of food preparation, sanitation, and/or production line process.  

• Ability to work a variety of 12-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft products including Excel and Word. 

Experience (Required): 

• Previous Process Operator experience 

Experience: (preferred) 

• Knowledge of food processing equipment ie. spray drying, pasteurizer, and membrane systems 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently abled individuals to satisfactorily perform the essential functions.

• Requires ability to walk and stand for 12 or more hours at a time
• Requires ability to safely operate equipment by visually observing the condition of equipment and surroundings
• Requires ability to hear and speak, occasionally in high time weighted average environments with elevated decibel readings (using appropriate hearing protection)
• Requires ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, reach, lift, push, pull and carry items up to 55lbs
• Requires ability to push and pull items up to 150lbs 
• Requires ability to climb ladders and stairs of various heights occasionally including floors of 100ft or more, with appropriate fall protection PPE
• Requires ability to work in varying extreme hot, cold, and wet temperatures and conditions Requires ability to work in confined spaces 
• Requires ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Shift Pay Differential
• Education Assistance
• On-site Fitness Center
• On-Site Health Clinic    

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.

UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.