• A dairy marketing cooperative owned by 2,000 farming families and managed by its 1,200 employees. 

The Cheese General Laborer assembles cheese carts, monitors filling operations, seals cheese boxes, and moves completed pallets to the cooler while meeting production and quality standards and maintaining a safe, clean work environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management deems necessary. All employees must promptly report employee safety, food safety, and food quality concerns to authorized personnel. This position has heightened food safety and food quality responsibilities.

• • Assemble carts and place cheesecloth and liners into boxes.
• • Thoroughly rinse carts and pans to remove soil and debris before placing them in the bottom washer.
• • Clean and sanitize carts and pans; inspect and repeat cleaning and sanitation when soil or debris remains.
• • Load and unload carts in the vacuum chamber and operate the vacuum process for the allotted time.
• • Seal carts, then inspect, weigh, and tag them.
• • Monitor filling and cheese-box sealing operations and move completed pallets to the cooler.
• • Maintain good housekeeping and clean equipment and supplies in bagging and other work areas throughout the plant.
• • Maintain accurate documentation in all required recordkeeping formats.
• • Assist with training new employees.
• • Assist maintenance personnel with machine repairs or troubleshooting when requested.
• • Document and communicate production deficiencies to management and relay critical information during shift changes.
• • Continuously identify process-improvement opportunities and communicate them effectively.
• • Follow all Quality, Food Safety, Safety, and GMP policies and procedures, and report any nonconformity.
• • Follow applicable work instructions and perform other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The duties above describe the principal functions of the position and are not the only duties that may be assigned.

JOB INFORMATION

• Number of positions available: 1
• Job Type: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt union position
• Starting Wage: $26.94
• Overtime: May be available based on operational needs and applicable union rules
• Workweek / Shift: There are two shifts available; candidates will most likely be placed on the 6pm to 6am shift: Rotation of shifts depend on company needs. The schedule is a 2-2-3 rotation. That would be 2 days on 2 days off and 3 days on, then the next rotation would be 2 days off 2 days on 3 days off. These shifts are 12-hour shifts including overnights, weekend and holidays on a rotating schedule. a) 6am-6pm. b) 6pm-6am.
• Pay Days: Biweekly on Thursdays
• Payment Type: Direct deposit

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• • Eligibility: This opening is intended for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who can complete the employer's standard Form I-9 employment-eligibility verification.
• • Criminal background check: Required before the start date and coordinated by the employer.
• • Drug test: A five-panel drug test is required before the start date and coordinated by the employer. A positive cannabis result is not acceptable for this safety-sensitive work.
• • English: Must be able to understand and communicate work instructions, safety information, standard operating procedures, and production requirements.
• • Safety meetings: Attendance is required.
• • Driver's license: Not listed as a requirement for the core job duties.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• • Understands procedural controls and basic data-validation requirements.
• • Communicates professionally with coworkers, supervisors, customers, team members, and consultants.
• • Demonstrates honesty, integrity, creativity, flexibility, discretion, and appropriate handling of confidential information.
• • Understands the products manufactured and the processes involved.
• • Has a basic understanding of equipment operation and minor troubleshooting.
• • Communicates effectively to support safety, health, quality, confidentiality, and efficiency.
• • Reads and understands standard operating procedures, company guidelines, safety information, and daily production needs.
• • Works effectively both independently and as part of cross-functional teams; can multitask and prioritize.• Performs at a high level in a fast-paced, changing environment and maintains strong attention to detail and quality.
• • Demonstrates effective interpersonal and teamwork skills.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• • High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• • One year of relevant work experience preferred.
• • Prior manufacturing experience is a plus.
• • Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMPs, OSHA, and loss-control programs is highly desirable.
• • Technical knowledge of fluid milk, cheese, or drying operations is preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a manufacturing plant. The employee will frequently walk and stand and may occasionally sit; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; talk; hear; taste; or smell. The employee must be able to regularly lift up to 55 pounds, push and pull up to 75 pounds, climb ladders, and work at elevations above four feet. The employee is regularly exposed to cold storage areas, warm or hot temperatures, moderate to high humidity, and wet walking surfaces. Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards, wet work conditions, fumes or airborne particles, temperatures above 100°F, cold storage areas, moving mechanical parts, chemicals used during sanitation, elevated noise, and very low levels of ammonia. The employee is not routinely exposed to outside weather conditions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Required PPE depends on the task and may include protective eyewear or face shields, hearing protection, hair and beard nets, uniforms, footwear, rubber gloves, and chemical-resistant aprons. Required company uniforms and safety apparel will be provided.

RELOCATION AND ARRIVAL TRANSPORTATION

• Paid flight to business location: Yes, subject to employer coordination
• Arrival airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Paid flight home: NoTravel food: Covered with receipt
• Grocery stipend: $125 or $250 gift card available; amount selected will be deducted through payroll

WORKPLACE TRANSPORTATION

The company has housing units in the Jim Falls plant parking lot. Another housing option is in Chippewa Falls, approximately 25 minutes away, with transportation provided to and from the worksite. Transportation is available while the employee resides in employer-arranged housing. Employees may be subject to imputed-income calculations

JOB BENEFITS

• • Workers' compensation insurance: Yes.
• • 401(k): Yes, subject to plan eligibility and terms.
• • Health insurance: Jim Falls Union Benefits Guide; subject to plan eligibility and terms.
• • Paid holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Deer Opener, and
• Christmas, subject to the applicable union agreement and employer policy.
• • PTO for union positions: 1.923 hours per pay period during the first year, subject to the applicable union agreement and
• employer policy.
• • Bonus: Salaried positions only; this hourly position is not listed as bonus-eligible.

OPTIONAL HOUSING

• The company may secure optional housing for up to 12 months at the employee's cost. Current Jim Falls options include two two-
• bedroom apartments in Chippewa Falls (approximately 25 minutes from the plant) and four two-bedroom apartments in the
• plant parking lot. Rooms are shared, with two people per room. Housing is fully furnished. Water, gas, garbage, and
• electricity are included. Wi-Fi and cable television are not included. Laundry is available and is not coin-operated.

Housing cost per person:

Month 1: $8.06 per day;

Months 2-3: $250 per month;

Months 4-6: $340 per month;

Months 7-9: $510 per month;

Months 10+: $690 per month.

Housing period: Up to one year

Housing rules: Employees must sign and follow the rental agreement. Housing is available only while employed and for no more than 12 months. Upon separation from employment, the resident must vacate immediately. Conduct problems or property damage may result in immediate removal from housing.