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

Say Cheese! Seriously, we love cheese, and we hope you do too! As a Production Operator in our Cheese Plant, you'll play an essential role of getting our freshly prepared cheese into the hands of our customers.

The Production Operator plays a critical role in our dairy food production line. As a Production Operator you will be responsible for performing various labor-intensive tasks, that may be both physical and repetitive, to ensure the safe, quality, production of dairy products for public consumption.  

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform various functions within the cheese production line which include, but not limited to lifting, packing, cleaning, and operating machinery
• Repeatedly fill, drain, flip, maneuver, lift, and organize cheese containers (hoops) that may weigh up to 35 pounds.
• Conduct regular cleaning and sanitation of tools, equipment, floors, and general production areas. This requires the use of various cleaning agents and chemicals.
• Prepare, fill and maneuver brine bins and packaging crates. 
•  Perform packaging of fresh cheese, curd, and blocks for wholesale distribution and shipping.  
• Maintain cheese throughout the production process including mixing, salting, vacuum sealing, draining, and packaging. 
• Manage multiple simultaneous projects and prioritize SOPs for cheese production process.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area including the removal of trash at the conclusion of every shift.
• Always maintain food safety and quality standards, resolving and/or reporting compliance issues immediately.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills & Abilities: 

• Ability to lift, flip, maneuver, push, and pull items, as heavy as 45 pounds, on a repetitive bases and for extended periods of time.
• Basic understanding of food preparation and/or production line process. 
• Understanding of basic math for inventory and report logging purposes. 
• Ability to safety operate and function in a wet work environment. 
• Ability to efficiently clean tools, workstations, equipment, and plant. 
•  Team-player that is willing to assist others in a variety of plant functions, when needed.

Experience: 

• Previous experience in general labor or plant environment, preferred

Education/Certifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Requires ability to walk and stand for 12 or more hours at a time Requires ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift and carry items up to 55lbs
• Requires the ability to safely operate equipment
• Requires ability to visually observe the condition of surroundings
• Requires ability to work in varying extreme hot, cold, and wet temperatures and conditions
• Requires ability to hear and speak, occasionally in high time weighted average environments with elevated decibel readings (using appropriate hearing protection)

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. Find your favorite job now by visiting our jobs page