HTST Operator II

Company: Agropur
Location: Lake Norden
Posted on: February 7, 2026

Job Description:

Job Type: RegularThe HTST Operator II is responsible for the preparation of raw milk to be used in cheese production. Invest in you, Join Agropur as an Operator for the Lake Norden Plant. We dairy you! PTO on your first day of work! How Agropur invests in YOU: Starting Rate: $28.70 hourly Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00 Sunday Double Time Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focusing on your physical, financial, and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions 3 Weeks PTO on day 1 Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays Paid parental leave Advancement Opportunities Healthy work/life balance What’s involved in this role: The HTST Operator II is responsible for the preparation of raw milk to be used in cheese production. Schedule 2-2-3 Rotation between days and nights. 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Pasteurize, standardize and condense milk in preparation for use in cheese production. Follow start-up procedure of equipment. Monitor raw milk flow into balance tank, through pasteurizing heaters, through separators to separate cream from the milk, to evaporators for condensing and then ultimately to horizontal cheese vats for use in cheese production. Regulate factors such as milk solids, cream fats, and temperature and make adjustments depending on the type of cheese to be produced. Take frequent readings and log upwards of twenty variables. Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles. Troubleshoot and maintain machinery. Clean and sanitize all parts of HTST department including walls, floors, and equipment. Assist all other coworkers with tasks and duties within the department. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Quickly recognize when factors are outside acceptable parameters. Understand interaction between computer and machinery, troubleshooting problems as they arise. Position involves or may involve operation of a Critical Control Point as determined by the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures. Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures. Correct or report any observed safety hazards. Support safety policies and programs. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications: Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience Required: Minimum three (3) years of related experience required. Certification/Licensure Required: None Skills Required: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with colleagues. Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work. Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment. Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information. Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Able to properly document information legibly onto log sheets. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines. Good to excellent spelling, grammar, and written communication skills. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. Where you’ll be working: Our Lake Norden, SD, plant is home to approximately 450 employees and boasts a brand new, state of the art cheese and whey facility. We produce mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, asiago, and Monterey Jack cheeses as well as various whey streams. Agropur’s US operations produce 1 billion pounds of quality, award-winning cheese each year. We create more than 20 different varieties and provide whey protein and dry ingredients which are by-products of the cheesemaking process. As one of the world’s largest dairy producers, Agropur partners with some of the most recognizable food, beverage and nutrition brands to help feed the world. Better Dairy. Better World. Agropurus.com We dairy you ! JOIN AGROPUR. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.

Keywords: Agropur, Sioux City , HTST Operator II, Manufacturing , Lake Norden, Iowa