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Dairy Processing Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dairy Processing Operator

Brattleboro, VT · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

... hiring a Dairy (Yogurt) Processor based in Brattleboro. In this position, the employee is ... Additionally, perform all pasteurizer operator functions and the other duties listed below.

New

Dairy Processing Operator

Brattleboro, VT · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

... hiring a Dairy (Yogurt) Processor based in Brattleboro. In this position, the employee is ... Additionally, perform all pasteurizer operator functions and the other duties listed below.

New

Dairy Processing Operator

Brattleboro, VT · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

... hiring a Dairy (Yogurt) Processor based in Brattleboro.In this position, the employee is ... Additionally, perform all pasteurizer operator functions and the other duties listed below.

New

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Dairy Processing Operator information

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How much do dairy processing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for dairy processing operator in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dairy Processing Operator vs Milk Plant Worker?

AspectDairy Processing OperatorMilk Plant Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in food safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma, basic training in plant procedures
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, manufacturing lines, cold storageMilk collection, processing, packaging areas
Job DutiesOperate machinery, monitor quality, ensure safety standardsAssist in milk handling, packaging, cleaning

While both roles work in dairy production, Dairy Processing Operators typically handle machinery operation and quality control, requiring specific certifications. Milk Plant Workers often perform more manual tasks and assist in processing. The roles are complementary within dairy manufacturing facilities, with Dairy Processing Operators focusing on technical operations and Milk Plant Workers supporting daily production tasks.

What is a dairy processing operator?

A dairy processing operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the production of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. They ensure quality control, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications like HACCP or OSHA training. The role often involves working in a manufacturing environment with shifts and physical tasks.

What does a processing operator do?

A dairy processing operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the production of dairy products, such as pasteurizers, separators, and filling machines. They ensure the machinery runs efficiently, maintain quality standards, and follow safety protocols, often working in a manufacturing environment with certifications in food safety. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues promptly.

What are Dairy Processing Operators?

Dairy Processing Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the production and processing of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. They operate and monitor machinery, ensure quality and safety standards are met, and troubleshoot equipment issues. Their role also involves cleaning and sanitizing equipment, maintaining detailed production records, and adhering to strict food safety regulations. Dairy Processing Operators play a crucial part in ensuring that dairy products are safe, consistent, and high-quality before reaching consumers.

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

To thrive as a Dairy Processing Operator, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, automated control systems, and HACCP certification is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing safe, high-quality dairy products efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by Dairy Processing Operators during production shifts?

Dairy Processing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality while meeting production targets, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to sanitation and safety protocols. Unexpected fluctuations in raw milk quality or temperature can also require quick adjustments to processes. Working collaboratively with maintenance and quality control teams is crucial to resolve issues efficiently and minimize downtime, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as food processing plant managers or food manufacturing directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications, and they oversee large-scale operations and compliance with safety standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Dairy Processing Operators typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial pilots, certain sales positions, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specific skills, licenses, or significant experience. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are rare and often involve high risk or physical demands.
More about Dairy Processing Operator jobs
What states have the most Dairy Processing Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Dairy Processing Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dairy Processing Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dairy Processing Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dairy Processing Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,984 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Dairy Processing Operator

Dairy Processing Operator

Lactalis US Yogurt, Inc.

Brattleboro, VT • On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New


Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 396 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.


At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Dairy (Yogurt) Processor based in Brattleboro.


In this position, the employee is responsible for processing yogurt bases. Perform CIPs and periodic equipment cleaning to ensure the highest quality standards. Receive, test, and separate raw milk, then enter test results and milk load data into SAP. Perform all raw CIPs and cleaning tasks as needed to support departmental requirements while maintaining quality standards. Additionally, perform all pasteurizer operator functions and the other duties listed below.


Full-time opportunity.


Schedule:12-hourshifts: 6 am-6 pm

Week One: 3 Days on 4 days off

Week Two: 4 Days on, 3 days off
From your EXPERTISE to ours


Key responsibilities for this position include:

  • Must be able to operate processing equipment, adhering to all quality assurance, productivity, OSHA, and safety standards.
  • Must be able to assemble and disassemble equipment for proper cleaning / sanitizing and operating per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Must monitor and control all temperatures, pressures, and flow of product throughout the processing cycle in accordance with established quality assurance standards.
  • Must adhere to established testing procedures and provide required samples to laboratory for appraisal prior to all finished products being packaged.
  • Must monitor and control the flow of product from processing to packaging

From your STORY to ours


Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

  • Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment.
  • Operate lab equipment in support of milk testing.
  • Update milk compositions
  • Ability to operate equipment using Human Interface System (HMI)
  • Input batch results and inventory control using SAP
  • Complete chart verification to state standards
  • Perform cleaning (MSS) and periodic maintenance as scheduled
  • Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP)
  • Follow all lock out/tag-out procedures.
  • Practice good housekeeping
  • Ability to plan and schedule batches with limited supervision
  • Full understanding of clean-in-place system and process
  • Physical ability to perform on equipment maintenance as necessary

Skills / Abilities / Specialized Knowledge HTST trained or willing to attend training Understanding of food safety and HACCP Flexible mindset Ability to work independently and make decisions 

Requirements

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.


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