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Milk Processing Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IDAHO MILK PRODUCTS

Membrane Operator - Night Shift

Jerome, ID · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Membrane Operator to oversee and manage the membrane filtration processes in our industrial milk processing plant. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

Organic Valley

Milk Truck Driver

Viroqua, WI · On-site

Performs quality control process steps ensuring satisfactory and sanitary collection ... Must possess at least a Class B Commercial Driver's License with interstate operating privileges ...

IDAHO MILK PRODUCTS

Packaging Operator

Jerome, ID · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Milk processing plant experience is a plus Skills and Knowledge: * Able to work in teams ... Machines Operated: * Office machines (e.g., personal computer, copy machine, fax machine ...

Organic Valley

Milk Truck Driver

Viroqua, WI · On-site

$23.73 - $28.76/hr

Performs quality control process steps ensuring satisfactory and sanitary collection ... Must possess at least a Class B Commercial Driver's License with interstate operating privileges ...

Upstate Farms Dairy LLC

Skilled Machine Operator

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips ... These positions can include the responsibility of setting up, operating and cleaning equipment ...

Organic Valley

Milk Truck Driver

Viroqua, WI

Performs quality control process steps ensuring satisfactory and sanitary collection ... Must possess at least a Class B Commercial Driver's License with interstate operating privileges ...

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Milk Processing Operator information

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$31

How much do milk processing operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk 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 are some common challenges faced by Milk Processing Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Milk Processing Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring consistent product quality. Staying vigilant about cleanliness is essential to prevent contamination, while promptly addressing issues with machinery helps minimize downtime. Effective communication with team members and continuous training on safety and operational procedures can help operators overcome these challenges and maintain smooth production processes.

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

To thrive as a Milk Processing Operator, you need a solid understanding of dairy processing, quality control, and food safety, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training in food technology. Familiarity with pasteurization equipment, automated processing systems, and relevant safety certifications like HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant milk production operations.

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

AspectMilk Processing OperatorDairy Plant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentProcessing lines, dairy facilitiesMaintenance areas, processing equipment
Industry UsagePrimary role in milk processingSupports processing with maintenance and troubleshooting
Common Search IntentUnderstanding processing rolesTechnical support and maintenance roles

The main difference is that Milk Processing Operators focus on operating and monitoring milk processing equipment, while Dairy Plant Technicians handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of processing machinery. Both roles are essential in dairy production, but they emphasize different skill sets and responsibilities within the industry.

What are Milk Processing Operators?

Milk Processing Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the processing of milk and dairy products. Their main duties include pasteurizing, homogenizing, separating, and packaging milk to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. They also perform routine maintenance on machinery, check product quality, and keep accurate records of production. Attention to hygiene and strict adherence to food safety regulations are essential parts of this role.
More about Milk Processing Operator jobs
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Milk Processing Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Milk Processing Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% 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.
Lead Process Engineer - Fluid Milk

Lead Process Engineer - Fluid Milk

Byrne Dairy

East Syracuse, NY • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Lead Process Engineer - Fluid Milk
Why Byrne
At Byrne, we foster a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and professionalism. Our greatest strength lies in the exceptional talent and dedication of our team members across every part of the organization. We value their contributions and ensure they're recognized, rewarded, and compensated in ways that reflect their impact and expertise.
Pay and Benefits
  • Salary Range - $125,000 - $152,500 per year
  • Competitive bonus programs
  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits available day 1 of employment
  • Supplemental benefits available on day 30 of employment
  • Eligible for 401 (k) with a company match available on day 90 of employment
  • Educational Support via tuition reimbursement and scholarship program

Work Shift and Location
6750 Benedict Road W East Syracuse, NY 13057
Monday - Friday 1st shift
Job Overview
The Lead Process Engineer - Fluid Milk plays a key role in executing assigned Engineering tasks. This includes being the functional owner of fluid dairy processing systems across multiple facilities, including receiving, batching, pasteurization, and upstream process distribution to filling operations. This role is accountable for process performance, reliability, and standardization, and ensures fluid milk processes are designed, modified, and operated to meet production, quality, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own performance of all fluid dairy processes, including receiving, storage, transfer, batching, and pasteurization.
  • Drive continual improvements in reliability, OEE, yield, and stability.
  • Identify and eliminate chronic sources of downtime and variability.
  • Maintain awareness of system constraints, risks, and capabilities.
  • Ensure consistency of process-related performance, best practices, and designs across Byrne facilities.
  • Lead organization-wide initiatives to standardize equipment, instrumentation, operation, and capabilities in line with business requirements.
  • Maintain regular on-site presence and engagement with plant leadership, maintenance teams, and operations groups.
  • Lead fluid process engineering design, scope, and specifications for capital and operational projects, including process flow, equipment selection, instrumentation configurations, functional descriptions, and visualization mockups.
  • Collaborate effectively within project-based teams for execution of assigned projects.
  • Ensure designs prioritize reliability, operability, maintainability, and scalability.
  • Review and approve all process engineering deliverables.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain process engineering standards, best practices, and documentation.
  • Harmonize process design and control philosophies across projects and sites
  • Evaluate new equipment, technology, vendors, and solutions for strategic value
  • Define, maintain, and communicate process design and control philosophies and functional descriptions for equipment and processes.
  • Partner with Operations Technology team to implement control logic and visualization changes, maintain overall stability of process systems, and ensure proper integration of process and automation systems. Automation governance is owned by the Operations Technology function.
  • Directly supervise and develop Process Engineers for a high-performing team supporting operations and project design/execution.
  • Set clear expectations for performance, accountability, and professional growth, aligning team skills and capacity with business needs.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical guidance to Process Engineers, plant leadership, maintenance teams, and operations personnel.
  • Ensure effective distribution of knowledge, resources, and coverage within the engineering team.
  • Escalates cross-functional or organization-level issues and concerns to Director of Engineering as appropriate.
  • Serve as primary escalation point for Process Engineers for complex or high-impact process issues.
  • Support operations and maintenance with timely, practical solutions for short- and long-term reliability, performance, and stability improvements.
  • Lead or participate in root cause analysis events for significant or recurring issues.
  • Promote and reinforce a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Min. Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years experience in dairy, beverage, or fluid process manufacturing, or GED/High school diploma with 10 years experience, in dairy, beverage, or fluid process manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated experience as subject matter expert, capital project leader, and our continuous improvement leader.
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams.
  • 3-5 years of dairy process experience.
  • 3-5 years of process automation or controls integration experience.
  • Experience working in multi-site manufacturing environments.

Byrne
Headquartered in LaFayette, Byrne is a Central New York-based dairy company with a legacy spanning over 90 years. Its operations include an extended shelf-life (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization plant in DeWitt, as well as an ESL manufacturing facility in Cortlandville. Byrne also maintains warehouse facilities in Syracuse and East Syracuse, along with a dedicated ice cream center in Syracuse. As a recognized industry leader, Byrne continues to drive innovation at the forefront of dairy processing and product development.
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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