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Cheese Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Cheese Production Roles

Labolt, SD · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Cheese Plant Operator Location: Milbank, SD Schedule: Full-time, rotating shifts, Night: 5:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. Weekend Work: Alternating weekends About the Role Join our team and help package high ...

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How much do cheese plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese plant in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cheese Plant vs Cheese Plant?

AspectCheese Plant

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Cheese Plant, there is no difference. Both refer to the same role involving cheese production, quality control, and plant operations within the dairy industry. Typically, Cheese Plant workers require certifications in food safety, experience in dairy processing, and work in manufacturing environments. They are employed by dairy companies or food production facilities, focusing on cheese manufacturing processes.

What are cheese plant workers and what do they do?

Cheese plant workers are employees involved in the production and processing of cheese in a manufacturing facility. Their duties typically include preparing and processing milk, operating machinery, monitoring cheese fermentation and aging, packaging finished products, and ensuring cleanliness and safety standards. They may also test samples for quality control and maintain records of production. Cheese plant workers often work as part of a team to meet production goals while following food safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cheese Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cheese Plant Operator, you need knowledge of dairy production processes, food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, automated processing systems, and HACCP certification is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are essential soft skills for ensuring consistent product quality. These skills and qualifications are important to maintain safe, efficient operations and produce high-quality cheese products in compliance with industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a cheese plant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Employees in a cheese plant often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, operating specialized machinery, and working in environments with fluctuating temperatures. Adapting to shift work and collaborating with quality control teams to ensure product consistency are also typical aspects of the job. Effective communication, attention to detail, and following safety protocols are key strategies for managing these challenges and succeeding in this collaborative, fast-paced environment.
More about Cheese Plant jobs
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Cheese Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cheese Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Cheese Plant Operator (Nights)

Agropur Cooperative

Luxemburg, WI • On-site

$27.56/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Type:RegularThe Cheese Plant Operator works rotating job duties with other workers in the cheese plant. This position has a working knowledge of the operation of the DMM, RMC's, salters, cookers and brine room and is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing equipment in these areas. The Cheese Plant Operator understands and adheres to all safety and quality guidelines and attends any scheduled team meetings.
People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact.

At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters isrealimpact, not the volume of activity.

An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

  • Starting Rate: $27.56hr

  • Sunday Double Time

  • Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00

  • $1.50 Shift Differential

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

  • 401(k) with up to a 7% company match

  • 3 Weeks PTO

  • Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

  • Advancement Opportunities

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Healthy work/life balance

  • Schedule: 2-2-3 6pm to 6am

Your role in achieving results:

Brine Room

  • Understand all the controls in the brine room, PLC, and operation of the equipment.
  • Understand the operation and CIP of the Brine UF system.
  • Fill brine cages with cheese and keep track of vats; accurately record each vat on the cage log.
  • Check and clean all filters at least once per shift.
  • Test the salinity of the brine and accurately record.
  • Scrape cheese and fat from the system and dispose of properly.
  • Help the packaging person in the brine room as needed.
  • Keep all hoses rolled up, tools stored properly, clean and sanitize as necessary.

DMM Operation

  • Understand all the controls on the PLC, and operation of the equipment.
  • Ensure all pipes and fittings are hooked up properly and equipment is ready for production.
  • Ensure the proper cheese recipe is selected.
  • Check and accurately record cheese PH per guidelines.
  • Periodically inspect to ensure cheese is not stringing.
  • Effectively communicate with team members on cheese and operations.
  • Assist in reworking cheese as needed.
  • At the end of production help with clean up, rinsing down, and hooking up for CIP.
  • Keep the outside of the equipment clean and change gaskets as needed.

Cooker, salter, and RMC Operation

  • Understand all the controls of the cooker, salter, and RMC, PLC, and operation of the equipment.
  • Understand how to clean all the equipment properly.
  • Ensure cookers are hooked up for production and ready to receive cheese.
  • Watch the cooker and cheese condition as it exits the cooker; ensuring that it is properly melted and has good stretch.
  • Monitor the RMC and cooker; ensuring temperatures are adjusted properly and Loaf sizes are the proper weight to meet customer specification and fill orders.
  • Help with the changeover of hoops (forms) on the RMC to accommodate the type of cheese being made.
  • Ensure salt hoppers are full and the salt is being properly added.
  • Empty drippings pails under molder.
  • Effectively communicate with vat operator on cheese and operations.
  • Make empty cycles as necessary to keep vat identity.
  • Assist with cheese rework as needed.

Sanitation Duties

  • Perform CIP and scrub equipment daily.
  • Rinse and wash floors.
  • Empty scrap pails.
  • Wash parts.
  • Keep the outside of the equipment clean and change gaskets as needed.
  • Wash brine flume.
  • Perform CIP for brine chillers/UF.
  • Wash cheese grinder.
  • Keep all hoses rolled up, tools stored properly, clean and sanitize as necessary.
  • Assist Vat Operator and HTST Operator as needed.
  • Perform miscellaneous duties on Master Sanitation Sheets as directed.
  • Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
  • Safety Protocol
    • Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
    • Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
    • Support safety policies and programs.

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.

What we are looking for to deliver these results:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization.
  • Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work.
  • Follow one- or two-step verbal instructions; read and follow written instructions; perform routine and repetitive tasks; carry out detailed but uncomplicated written or verbal instructions; complete simple checklists and required documentation.
  • Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience.
  • Basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
  • Dedication to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; acts with customers in mind.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
  • Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

A role for those who want to contribute to measurable and sustainable results.

AA/EEO - Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.

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