Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift at Ellsworth… · Menomonie

Apply Description $27+/Hour | 4-Day Workweek | Excellent Benefits Earn Competitive Pay, Enjoy a 4-Day Workweek, and Build a Career with an Award-Winning Creamery Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and become part of a team producing award-winning cheese while building a rewarding career in the dairy industry. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, training, and opportunities for advancement. Why Join Our Team? Starting pay of $27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience $2.00 per hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM Pay increase after 120 days Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and company-paid life insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources Training, cross-training and career advancement opportunities Schedule 1st Shift: 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday Wednesday off No regularly scheduled weekends; overtime may be available or required as needed Position Summary The Licensed Cheesemaker is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of cheese manufacturing, brining, whey, and related production processes. This role requires knowledge of the cheesemaking process, including coagulation, ripening, cutting, cooking, and end-stir phases, as well as proper ingredient use and timing. The Cheesemaker helps ensure product quality, food safety, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and efficient production while supporting a positive, team-oriented work environment. Key Responsibilities Maintain a current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License Operate cheese vats, HTST, UF, whey, brining, pumps, and related production equipment Follow cheesemaking formulas, ingredient requirements, and production procedures Start, operate, monitor, shut down, and CIP production equipment Accurately record and communicate production data Monitor product quality and process conditions and make adjustments as needed Maintain a clean and sanitary work area in accordance with GMPs and food safety requirements Follow USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, OSHA, and company requirements Assist with training and mentoring employees on cheesemaking, safety, sanitation, and equipment operation Communicate effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other departments Promote a safe, efficient, and team-oriented workplace Perform other duties as assigned Requirements Required Current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License required High school diploma or equivalent preferred; relevant dairy or food manufacturing experience considered Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, formulas, and procedures Ability to understand, speak, read, and write English sufficiently to safely perform job duties and complete required documentation Strong communication and attention-to-detail skills Basic computer skills preferred; training provided Ability to work independently and as part of a team Commitment to food safety, workplace safety, sanitation, and quality Dependable, punctual, and responsible Physical Demands This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and carrying 50+ pounds repetitively, and frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and climbing stairs. Employees may work around heat, cold, water, cleaning chemicals, wet surfaces, production equipment, and noise and must be able to wear required PPE. Work Environment This position is performed primarily in a food manufacturing and dairy processing plant. Employees must follow all company safety, food safety, GMP, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and may work in varying temperatures and wet or slippery conditions. Pre-Employment Requirements Drug and alcohol screening General background check Benefits Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off 401(k) with company match Company-paid life insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources Training and cross-training opportunities Career advancement opportunities About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees - you're family, and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years.
Our Menomonie, Wisconsin production facility manufacturers several varieties of small-batch artisan cheese, including our award-winning Red Rind Muenster, Wisconsin Brick and Hot Pepper Jack.
Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.