1

Cheese Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... operator when needed. * Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws. * Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese ...

... operator when needed. * Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws. * Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese ...

... operator when needed. * Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws. * Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese ...

... operator when needed. * Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws. * Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese ...

Cheese Operator

Clovis, NM

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Place two straps on cheese block (use metal strap on Kraft) The bands should be at least 5" apart ... Facilitate or oversee training and standard operating procedure reviews to ensure new hires develop ...

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and communicating effectively with all departments and meeting daily ...

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and communicating effectively with all departments and meeting daily ...

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and communicating effectively with all departments and meeting daily ...

Shifts : * 2 Cheese Operator - day shift (6am to 2:30pm) * 2 Cheese Operator - graveyard shift (10pm to 6:30am) Competitive Wages - The pay range is $26.78 to $35.70 per hour, but no less than the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cheese Operator information

See salary details

$14

$19

$26

How much do cheese operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cheese operator?

A cheese operator is a skilled worker responsible for overseeing and managing the process of cheese production in a dairy or food manufacturing facility. Their duties typically include monitoring equipment, ensuring quality control, adding ingredients, managing temperatures, and following safety and sanitation protocols. Cheese operators play a crucial role in producing consistent, high-quality cheese products by maintaining precise standards and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cheese operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cheese Operator, you need a fundamental understanding of dairy processing, food safety regulations, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated cheese-making machinery, pasteurization systems, and quality assurance protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving are vital soft skills that help manage production flow and uphold product standards. These competencies ensure efficient manufacturing, high-quality cheese products, and compliance with health and safety standards.

What are some typical challenges a cheese operator might face during production, and how are they addressed?

As a Cheese Operator, one common challenge is maintaining the correct temperature, humidity, and timing throughout the cheese-making process to ensure product consistency and quality. Operators must carefully monitor automated systems and make real-time adjustments, which requires strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Additionally, coordinating with quality control and sanitation teams is essential to meet safety standards and minimize production downtime. Continuous on-the-job training and collaboration with more experienced operators help new hires quickly adapt and overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Cheese Operator vs Cheese Cutter?

AspectCheese OperatorCheese Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, food safety certificationsHigh school diploma, food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, production lineManufacturing plant, production line
Industry UsageCheese production facilitiesCheese processing and packaging
Job FocusOperating machinery, quality controlCutting, slicing, packaging cheese

Both roles are integral to cheese manufacturing, with the Cheese Operator overseeing machinery and quality, while the Cheese Cutter focuses on slicing and packaging. They often work together in the same environment, requiring similar certifications and skills.

What cities are hiring for Cheese Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Cheese Operator job openings:

What states have the most Cheese Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cheese Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cheese Operator jobs?

For Cheese Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cheese Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Glanbia
Food Services and Drinking Places • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Glanbia Performance Nutrition rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Summary

Oversees Dolly Washer, Vacuum Sealers, Boxmaker, Closer and Tube Liner Inserter.  Maintain areas to provide quality packaging for 640 # blocks.

Essential Functions

Dolly Washer:

  • Spray all dollies off, use scrub brush and HC10 on them.
  • Ensure all cleaning and chemical sanitizing mixing procedures are followed.
  • Each dolly has a clean cheese cloth if put on at that station if not at the angle station.
  • After each cheesecloth is placed on the dolly spray with delvocid.
  • If running arena check each dolly with the dolly squaring tool.
  • Log Delvocid lot code onto the delvocid tracking log sheet each time the sprayer is filled.
  • Ensure environmental cleaning is done and signed off by the end of each shift.
  • Assist the angle washer/tube liner operator when needed.
  • Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
  • Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.
  • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
  • Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates. (Food Safety Modernization Act- FSMA, Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

Vacuum Sealer:

  • Ensure vacuum pumps are on and vacuum sealers are enabled.
  • Close vacuum sealers as soon as they have four fresh boxes.
  • Place clean slip sheet on cheese and fold bag, after vacuum sealers.
  • Place bottom boards and irons on boxes (reject any damaged components).
  • Check Tosca iron legs on the leg jig to ensure they fit the 640 box correctly.
  • Ensure boxes don't sit in one place for too long, to prevent a jam.
  • Fix any jams in your area.
  • Contact Level 3 immediately when you can't fix a jam.
  • Ensure environmental cleaning is done and signed off by the end of each shift.
  • Log Delvocid lot code onto the delvocid tracking log sheet each time the sprayer is filled.
  • Foam area when not in production.
  • Inspect each block for any foreign material ex. Plastic, excessive peppers, other color cheese etc.
  • Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
  • Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.
  • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
  • Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

Boxmaker/Breakdown/640 Front End/640 Back End:

  • General knowledge of components (Arena, Tosca and Kraft).
  • General knowledge of banding machine operation and cleaning.
  • Inspect each box for correct assembly.
  • Keep a supply of 640# boxes on line at all times (10-20 boxes).
  • Contact Level 3 or ATL when banding machine is not operational.
  • Identify bad components and reject them.
  • Assemble boxes by hand when banding machine is down.
  • Ensure environmental cleaning is done and signed off by the end of each shift.
  • Tower preparation for CIP.
  • Tower Cleaning.
  • Refill and thread plastic wrap on machine.
  • Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
  • Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.
  • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
  • Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

Closer:

  • Fill sprayer with Delvocid solution and complete Delvocid log.
  • Remove cheesecloth from each block and dispose of it.
  • Inspect each block for foreign material: Plastic, metal, excessive peppers, other kinds of cheese, etc.
  • Spray the cheese with Delvocid and place a clean slip sheet on top.
  • Fold bag, place press board, 6 springs, top board and top iron on cheese.
  • Insert a white card stock on each side of the box for a label to stick to.
  • Ensure boxes don't sit in one place for too long to prevent a jam.
  • Fix any jams in your area and keep inverter in working order.
  • Push dollies when not in production.
  • Assist to keep inverter in working order.
  • Foam Decking around Tracks, tracks  17-20, inverter and scrape all buildup off.
  • Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
  • Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.
  • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
  • Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

Tube Liner Inserter:

  • Place a blue tube liner in each box after it gets made and cheese cloth on dolly.
  • Use dolly squaring tool to check for bent tabs when running Arena.
  • Keep liners stocked.
  • Do not use any damaged or dirty liners.
  • Assist the angle washer operator when necessary.
  • Ensure environmental cleaning is done and signed off by the end of each shift.
  • Keeps records in accordance with good manufacturing process and local and state laws.
  • Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.
  • Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
  • Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

Delivering on Glanbia's Values:

 

  • "Showing Respect" - Research issues & incidents with internal teams, business partners and customers in a collaborative manner that includes professional, honest and transparent communication.
  • "Find a Better Way" - Work with internal and external teams to implement process improvements and/or procedural changes that eliminate non-value added activities and drive more business value.
  • "Winning Together" - Assist with training of new team members.  Facilitate or oversee training and standard operating procedure reviews to ensure new hires develop proficiency of role.
  • "The Customer's Champion" - Proactively engage to support our customer needs on an end to end basis and strive to meet or exceed SLA timelines.  Take ownership of customer requests and engage with internal teams as needed and within a timely manner.
  • "Performance Matters" - Meet or exceed all key metrics in line with expectations for role.  Continually update knowledge of products, product changes, processes and services offered to deliver a dynamic customer experience.
Additional Functions
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiply projects simultaneously and delegate assignments to others.
  • Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures. Report all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or Human Resources.
  • Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.                 
Typical Physical Activity
Physical Demands
  • Regularly involves talking or listening, standing and walking, and the use of hands and fingers.
  • Involves long periods of standing.
  • Frequently involves bending over, and reaching with hands and arms
  • Occasionally involves crouching, stooping, kneeling and/or climbing or balancing.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives attributes of objects and materials.
  • Involves moderate physical activity performing somewhat strenuous daily activities of a primarily product/technical nature.
  • Should be able to identify and distinguish colors, see clearly at 20 inches or closer and 20 feet or more, observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point, judge distances and spatial relationships, and adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.
Typical Environmental Conditions
  • May be exposed to loud noise levels (i.e. manufacturing equipment).
  • May be exposed to humidity, intense heat, and areas with possible air contamination, fumes and toxic chemicals.
  • May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.
Travel Requirements
  • Minimal travel limited within the local area.
Disclaimer

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Are you someone who likes to make it happen, make it better and make it fun? If so, our company offers you an excellent opportunity to do really interesting work and develop a career in a dynamic and innovative environment that is all about making you and our business successful.

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.


What Glanbia Performance Nutrition employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom