Dairy Production Team Members- 1st and 2nd Shifts

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our organic milk is uniquely special: it comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, is pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, is non-homogenized, and is verified regenerative through Land to Market, which means our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment rather than harming it.

SUMMARY
We’re hiring multiple Dairy Production Team Members to support milk and cream processing, pasteurizing, and bottling operations. In this hands-on role, you’ll set up and operate production equipment, bottle and package finished products, and clean and sanitize equipment. Team members rotate through tasks and cross-train to support production needs while maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, and efficiency.

Typical Schedule:
1st shift: Monday-Friday, 6am- 2pm
2nd shift: Sunday-Thursday, 2pm-10pm, Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Set up and operate dairy processing, pasteurizing, and bottling equipment.

- Monitor production activities to meet established processing rates and product quality standards.

- Bottle, fill, and package finished products accurately and efficiently.

- Assist with equipment start-up, product changeovers, and shutdown.

- Clean and sanitize production equipment using manual and automated cleaning systems.

- Follow food safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), workplace safety guidelines, and company procedures.

- Rotate through production tasks and cross-train to support team members and production needs at other facilities.

- Learn and use required production technology and equipment.

- Perform other production-related duties as needed.
Qualifications

- High School diploma or GED required.

- Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred.

- Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles.

- Ability to follow written instructions and accurately record instrument data in English.

- Strong attention to detail with clear verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.

- Ability to adhere to all safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing requirements.

- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

- Positive attitude, high integrity, and alignment with OG’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.
Requirements/Work Environment

- Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet floors, temperature variation, noise, and moving equipment.

- Regular exposure to food allergens and cleaning/sanitation chemicals.

- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

- Adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards necessary for a food manufacturing environment, such as wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and no facial piercings.

- Must be able to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.

- Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.