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Cheese Production Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Grande

Engineer II - Automation & Controls

Chilton, WI · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

... of cheese production. What you need to be considered for the role: * Associate's degree and five (5) or more years of related experience with controls and instrumentation systems OR * Bachelor ...

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All JobsCheese Production JobsCheese Production Jobs in Appleton, WI

Cheese Production information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do cheese production jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese production in Appleton, WI is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cheese production?

Cheese production is the process of turning milk into cheese through a series of steps including curdling, cutting, cooking, draining, pressing, and aging. It typically involves adding bacteria and rennet to milk to form curds, which are then processed and matured to develop different flavors and textures. Cheese production can be done on both small and large scales, ranging from artisanal cheesemakers to industrial operations. The process requires careful attention to hygiene, temperature, and timing to ensure quality and safety. Various types of milk, cultures, and techniques result in the wide variety of cheeses found around the world.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of cheese production, high-paying roles such as experienced cheese plant managers or specialized quality control supervisors can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require strong leadership skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and the ability to oversee large-scale operations, but they typically do not require a college degree.

What is the difference between Cheese Production vs Cheese Processing?

AspectCheese ProductionCheese Processing
CredentialsFood safety certifications, dairy handling trainingFood safety certifications, dairy handling training
Work EnvironmentFactories, dairy farms, production linesFactories, packaging facilities, processing plants
Industry UsageManufacturing cheese from raw milkPreparing, packaging, and refining cheese products

Cheese Production involves the initial manufacturing of cheese from raw milk, focusing on curdling, aging, and quality control. Cheese Processing typically refers to the subsequent steps like cutting, packaging, and refining cheese products for sale. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but they differ in their specific functions within the cheese manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cheese Production, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cheese Production, you need a solid understanding of food safety, dairy science, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a background in food technology or related certifications. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, pH meters, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure the consistent production of high-quality cheese, adherence to safety standards, and efficient operations.

Who is the biggest producer of cheese?

The largest producer of cheese globally is the United States, with major dairy companies like Kraft Heinz and Lactalis leading the industry. Cheese production requires knowledge of dairy processing, quality control, and often adherence to food safety standards. For cheese production jobs, familiarity with equipment such as cheese vats and pasteurizers is beneficial.

How long does it take to become a cheesemaker?

Becoming a cheesemaker typically requires several years of experience, including completing specialized training or apprenticeships that can last from 1 to 3 years. Many cheesemakers also gain skills through on-the-job training and may pursue certifications in dairy or food safety to enhance their qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cheese production, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in cheese production often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and managing equipment maintenance. Seasonal variations in milk supply and quality can also impact production schedules and outcomes. Successfully managing these challenges typically involves close attention to process controls, ongoing training, and effective teamwork with quality assurance and maintenance departments. Developing adaptability and strong communication skills are key for thriving in this dynamic environment.

What profession makes cheese?

The profession that makes cheese is typically known as a cheesemaker or cheese producer. These workers often have knowledge of dairy processing, food safety standards, and may use specialized equipment in dairy or cheese production facilities. Certification in food safety and dairy handling is often required for this role.
What job categories do people searching Cheese Production jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Cheese Production jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Cheese Production jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Cheese Production job openings:
Cheese Production jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cheese Production job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,712 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

1st Shift Cheese Processing Worker

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

New London, WI • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join the always-growing family at Ellsworth Creamery as we work with our cooperative of local farmers to create award-winning cheese! Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.
ABOUT ELLSWORTH CREAMERY: At Ellsworth Creamery, our team members are more than employees; you are like family and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years!
At our New London facility, our focus is on functionality in our cheeses. This facility produces easy melts, high-temperature restricted melt cheeses, and pasteurized processed pizza cheese for versatile culinary applications.
Benefits Package:
  • Full Time employees are eligible for benefits on the 1st of the month, following 30 days of employment.
  • Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital insurances available.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other free resources.
  • 401k match, Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay!

Requirements
Under the direction of the Blending and/or Sanitation Supervisor, the Processing Team Member is responsible for anticipating and meeting the Company's evolving needs and objectives. The Processing Team Member assists with achieving daily production demand and ensuring the make of high-quality products. Assuring safety, quality and performance objectives are a foundational expectation for this role.
Members will be trained and are expected to become proficient in the following areas that comprise the workload of the Processing Team: Cheese Batcher: to provide correct grouped cheeses under specific formula for production Barrel Dumper: to dump and slice barrels of cheese in the production line for the finished product
Ingredient Batcher: to provide accurate ingredient formulas for cheese production
Loading Belt / Track: to transfer cheese onto conveyor belt for grinding
The list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management deem necessary.
  • Execute the company's business strategies to achieve the goals of the Director of Operations
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards including but not limited to: Human resources, Good Manufacturing Processes, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer protection, Safe Quality Food, and the United States Department of Agriculture
  • Safely and efficiently operate production machines and/or equipment. Production equipment is used to perform production tasks such as forming, filling, wrapping, and packaging or otherwise process materials.
  • Ensure that all ingredients and packaging are handled within the manufacturing facility in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, internal food safety requirements, and organic requirements and in accordance to regulatory standards that are established by GMP, OSHA, FDA, WDATCP and USDA.
  • Ensures the presence, accuracy, and legibility of required information on all production documentation. This includes ingredient and packaging lot code information; ingredient and packaging quantity information; in process fill weight checks; in process lot code verification; production downtime; and any abnormalities that occur during a production run.
  • Develop required skills and knowledge to a level of depth appropriate to keep production as highly functional as needed to meet organizational goals and objectives.
  • Thorough understanding and ability to rotate into all positions of processing including batching, barrel dumping, ingredient batching and track.
  • Inspect all raw cheeses for mold, dirt or unsanitary conditions and properly discard any unusable product.
  • Properly organize storage of ingredients and raw cheese supplies.
  • Complete training on hand trucks, forklifts and other power equipment necessary to successfully complete job functions.
  • Properly use cheese scale to accurately weight the needed amount of cheese slabs requested by each formulation.
  • Work cohesively with Quality Assurance Supervisor to report any questionable quality or unsanitary findings
  • Responsible for chemical safety
  • Responsible for following all Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures
  • Responsible for the disassembly, cleaning, sanitizing, and reassembly of all production equipment.
  • Check all gaskets and O-rings for wear and replace when necessary
  • Complete all daily documentation.
  • Promote a safe, secure, and positive work environment for all Wohlt Employees.
  • Other duties as appropriate or assigned.

Candidate Requirements:
  • Ability to read and follow directions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Computer knowledge is a plus, but we will train as needed.
  • High school diploma, equivalent, or eagerness to learn and work in the dairy industry.
  • Must pass forklift operations training.

Physical Demands
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs. repetitively.
  • Ability to push 500lb. barrels of cheese on a track.
  • Stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
  • Pass a drug & alcohol screen as well as a general background check.

Work Environment
  • Food plant environment. Must adhere to all food and plant safety policies and regulations.

Salary Description
20.00 per hour

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