Dairy Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Manufacturing Equipment Technician
Job Summary:
The Babcock Dairy Plant is seeking a dependable and hardworking Machine Operator to support the production of our award-winning dairy products. This is a full-time, hands-on manufacturing position in a dairy processing facility, responsible for operating production equipment, assisting with product manufacturing, and maintaining sanitation standards in a food production environment.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working around processing equipment, following food safety and quality standards, performing physical work, and contributing to the daily operation of a busy dairy manufacturing plant.
Key Responsibilities
• Operate and monitor dairy processing and packaging equipment during production runs
• Assist with the manufacture and processing of dairy products according to established procedures and quality standards
• Perform equipment setup, cleaning, and sanitation activities to ensure compliance with food safety requirements
• Clean and sanitize processing equipment, production areas, floors, and walls as directed by the supervisor
• Unload delivery trucks and transport ingredients, supplies, and finished products between storage areas and the production facility
• Serve as a backup delivery driver, operating a plant truck (under 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight) to deliver dairy products throughout the Madison campus and to other state agencies
• Follow plant safety protocols, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and sanitation procedures
• Perform duties under general supervision with a focus on safety, efficiency, product quality, and teamwork
Work Schedule & Physical Requirements
• Regular work schedule: 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Occasional overtime may be required based on production needs
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift
• Ability to work in a dairy manufacturing environment, including exposure to cold temperatures, moisture, noise, and food production equipment
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, operating machinery, and being part of a team that produces high-quality dairy products in a manufacturing setting.
Additional Information:
• A criminal background check may be required
• A six-month probationary period may be required
• A valid driver's license is required. Employees must become an approved driver through UW-Madison's driver authorization process, which requires meeting established criteria. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/.
Key Job Responsibilities:

• Unloads the store raw materials and prepares and loads orders of finished materials for shipment or delivery

• Monitors and maintains inventory and required records, and assisting with retail sales

• Provides assistance with assembling, testing and maintaining manufacturing equipment

• Operate department delivery truck to distribute products on local UW-Madison campus and to other state agencies.

• Maintains documentation of equipment maintenance and repair procedures for future reference procedures

• Performs regular inspections to identify and correct equipment malfunctions, repairs and replacements

• Reads and understands technical manuals for equipment operations and maintenance

• Promotes a safe, clean, and organized facility

Department:
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Food Sciences, Babcock Dairy Plant
Compensation:
The minimum salary for this position is $22.00/hour. However, actual salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf
Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude through experience working with tools, machinery, mechanical equipment, or production systems in a manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, construction, maintenance, or related environment
• Experience performing production-related work in a manufacturing, processing, distribution, or industrial setting
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical work requiring standing, walking, bending, and repetitive motions throughout the workday
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a University vehicle
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience operating, monitoring, or troubleshooting equipment in a food manufacturing facility
• Experience cleaning and sanitizing production equipment, processing areas, and facilities in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards
Education:
Preferred H.S. Diploma
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under "Apply Now". You will be prompted to upload the following documents.
• Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background
• Cover letter (required) - Address each of the required and preferred qualifications as they relate to your work experience
It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
There is only one attachment field; please upload all application materials here.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
Contact Information:
Hong Zhang, hong.zhang@wisc.edu, (608) 265-4473
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.