The Dryer Operator is responsible for general equipment operations and general assistance throughout the whey production department and sanitation, including the Triple Evaporator, dryer operation and bagging operation.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
1. Operate dairy processing equipment including Triple evaporator, dryer equipment, and bagging equipment that dries the whey into powder.
2. Learn and execute startup procedures of equipment
3. Regulate factors such as composition of solids, and temperature; make adjustments depending on the type of product to be produced.
4. Taking frequent readings and logging variables.
5. Unloading check on chemicals upon delivery.
6. Operating Clean in Place (CIP) procedures; troubleshoot and maintain machinery.
7. Operate and clean all the pieces of dairy processing equipment that is involved with the whey department.
8. Communicate well between supervisor, other shifts and departments
9. Verify quality control items such as product weights and samples
10. Maintain proper documentation in all formats of recordkeeping
11. Operate various machines at an efficient level to fulfill plant demands
12. Assist coworkers with tasks and duties that are within the department as assigned
13. Assist with general cleaning and housekeeping throughout the plant as needed
14. Assists with training new employees
15. Provides assistance to the maintenance personnel, when needed, for machine repairs or troubleshooting
16. Adhere to all Quality and Food Safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
17. Adhere to all Safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
18. Adhere to all GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
* Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills
* Ability to adapt effectively within a continually changing and demanding environment
* Demonstrate an understanding of the products manufactured and the processes involved
* Basic understanding of equipment operations and minor troubleshooting ability
* Must be able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to communicate effectively in order to maintain high levels of Safety, Quality and Efficiency
* Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and company guidelines in order to maintain regulatory compliance
* Ability to understand daily production needs
* Able to read and comprehend standard operating procedures
* Participation in a team environment safely
* Detail oriented, be quality minded
* Able to perform at a high level in a fast paced environment

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
* High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
* Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred
* Prior experience in manufacturing is a plus
* Knowledge of HACCP, GMP's, OSHA and safety programs is highly desirable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Physical Demands - Employee is frequently (more than 75% of time) required to: use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, sit; to verbally communicate; and to hear. The employee is frequently (up to 90% of the time) required to walk, stand and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally (up to 25% of the time) lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Rarely will the employee push and pull and frequently will they stand and walk.
* Work Environment - Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock, wet work conditions, fumes or airborne participles. Employee may encounter hot working conditions, with summer temperatures in the plant typically ranging from to 80 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Employee is regularly exposed to chemicals during sanitation processes may include cleaning products such as 50 % Caustic, Image (Acid), Dictate (Sanitizer) and Guardian. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
* Protective Equipment - Personal protective equipment is required depending on the job being performed, including protective eye wear, or face shields, hearing protection, hair and beard nets, uniforms, and boots. Additional equipment is required working with chemicals, such as rubber gloves and use of chemical proof aprons as appropriate for job being performed.