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Milk Inspector Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lactalis USA

Safety Specialist

Buffalo, NY

$64K - $79K/yr

... and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi?s, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow , Oui ... Familiarity with equipment and tools relevant to safety inspections and assessments. Bilingual ...

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All JobsMilk Inspector JobsMilk Inspector Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Milk Inspector information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$12

$26

$50

How much do milk inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk inspector in Buffalo, NY is $26.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $30.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a milk inspector?

Milk inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that milk and dairy products meet safety, quality, and health standards. They inspect dairy farms, processing plants, and distribution facilities to verify cleanliness, proper handling, and adherence to regulations. Their duties often include sampling milk for laboratory analysis, checking equipment sanitation, and reviewing recordkeeping practices. By performing these tasks, milk inspectors help protect public health and maintain consumer confidence in dairy products.

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

To thrive as a Milk Inspector, you need a solid understanding of dairy science, food safety regulations, and quality control standards, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, sanitation protocols, and knowledge of regulatory compliance systems are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and integrity are crucial soft skills in this position. These skills ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of dairy products, protecting public health and maintaining industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by milk inspectors during routine dairy facility inspections?

Milk Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict compliance with health and sanitation standards in diverse facility environments. They must be detail-oriented to identify potential issues with equipment cleanliness, milk storage temperatures, and record-keeping practices. Effective communication is essential, as inspectors frequently interact with dairy producers and must clearly explain regulatory requirements and corrective actions. Additionally, adapting to changing regulations and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of food safety protocols are ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Milk Inspector vs Dairy Quality Analyst?

AspectMilk InspectorDairy Quality Analyst
Required CredentialsCertification in food safety, dairy inspectionFood safety, dairy testing certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, dairy farms, processing plantsLaboratories, testing facilities, quality control labs
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, dairy companiesPrivate labs, dairy manufacturing firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles focus on dairy product safety and quality, the Milk Inspector primarily conducts on-site inspections and enforces regulations, whereas the Dairy Quality Analyst performs laboratory testing and analysis to ensure product standards. Both positions require relevant certifications and are integral to maintaining dairy product safety in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Milk Inspector jobs in Buffalo, NY?

For Milk Inspector jobs in Buffalo, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Milk Inspector jobs in Buffalo, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Milk Inspector jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

Milk Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Milk Inspector job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,059 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Production Manager

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America's largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you'll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.
Job Summary:
The Production Manager will oversee daily operations in a high-volume fluid milk processing plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant production. This role is responsible for leading and developing production teams, driving continuous improvement, and meeting key performance goals in safety, quality, efficiency, and cost. The Production Manager will coordinate closely with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize workflows, maintain regulatory compliance (SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA), and deliver consistent product to customers. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills are essential to success in this role.
Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of supervisory or management experience in food or beverage manufacturing, preferably dairy or fluid milk.
  • Strong knowledge of dairy processing operations, blending pasteurization, homogenization, and filling/packaging equipment.
  • Familiarity with SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements for fluid milk production.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.
  • Proven track record of driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and improving plant performance metrics (OEE, yields, downtime).
  • Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause problem-solving.
  • Strong safety mindset with the ability to foster a culture of accountability and compliance.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments (Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, and HR).
  • Proficiency in production scheduling, inventory control, and ERP/MES systems.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and communication.
  • Ability to analyze production data and generate actionable insights for performance improvement.
  • Flexibility to work varying shifts and respond to plant operational needs as required.
  • Experience collaborating with the cooler storage team.
  • Experience managing a packaging and ingredient warehouse.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in food science or business discipline.
  • Prior experience in Dairy/Food manufacturing.

Knowledge and Experience:
The successful candidate will have proven experience managing dairy or food manufacturing operations, with strong knowledge of fluid milk processing, filling, and packaging systems. They should demonstrate success in driving efficiency, improving yields, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance with SQF, HACCP, FDA, and USDA requirements. Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and Microsoft Office programs is essential, along with a track record of leading teams, fostering a culture of safety, and delivering measurable production improvements.
Physical demands:
This position requires the ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and standing or walking for extended periods. The role may involve climbing stairs, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds as needed. Flexibility to work off-shifts or weekends to support production operations is also required.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee daily fluid milk processing, filling, and packaging operations to meet production schedules.
  • Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA, and all company quality and safety standards.
  • Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and frontline employees to build high-performing teams.
  • Monitor production metrics (OEE, yields, downtime, waste) and implement improvements to achieve efficiency goals.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize workflows and resolve production issues.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and root cause problem-solving.
  • Maintain accurate production records, reports, and documentation in ERP/MES systems.
  • Manage labor, materials, and resources to control costs while meeting customer demand.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
  • Support training and cross-training efforts to strengthen workforce flexibility.
  • Participate in plant planning, audits, and regulatory inspections as required.

Pay: $70-$90k a year*
* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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