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Prairie Farms Dairy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Carbondale, IL ยท On-site

$20/hr

Laboratory Technician Prairie Farms Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative. Founded in 1938, Prairie Farms manufactures and distributes a complete line of fluid milk and dairy products throughout ...

Office Position at Prairie Farms Dairy Prairie Farms Dairy is looking to fill an office position in the local Carlinville Office. We are looking for someone with a strong customer service background ...

New

Driver - Route

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$26/hr

Route Driver Prairie Farms Dairy is looking for Class B CDL Drivers to join our team in Joliet, IL . We are seeking experienced, motivated Route Sales Drivers to deliver to local customers and ...

Office Staff

Carlinville, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Prairie Farms Dairy is looking to fill an office position in the local Carlinville Office. We are looking for someone with a strong customer service background, efficient time management skills ...

Driver - Route

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$26/hr

Route Driver Prairie Farms Dairy is looking for Class B CDL Drivers to join our team in Joliet, IL . We are seeking experienced, motivated Route Sales Drivers to deliver to local customers and ...

CDL Class A

Traverse City, MI ยท On-site

$32/hr

Prairie Farms Dairy, Battle Creek operates as a dairy manufacturing plant and distribution center that covers the whole state of MI and some of the surrounding states. We make dairy products that are ...

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Prairie Farms Dairy information

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How much do prairie farms dairy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for prairie farms dairy in the United States is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced when working at Prairie Farms Dairy, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Employees at Prairie Farms Dairy often work in fast-paced, production-driven environments where meeting strict quality and safety standards is essential. New hires may find it challenging to adjust to shift work, physical tasks, or learning specialized equipment. To prepare, it's helpful to become familiar with food safety regulations, maintain good physical stamina, and be ready to work collaboratively with a diverse team. Embracing a positive attitude and being proactive in communicating with supervisors can help new employees succeed and quickly adapt to the company's culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dairy production worker at Prairie Farms Dairy?

To thrive as a Dairy Production Worker at Prairie Farms Dairy, you need basic knowledge of food safety, quality control, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, sanitation procedures, and compliance systems like HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are vital soft skills for ensuring operational efficiency and product quality. These skills are important for maintaining safety standards, meeting production goals, and ensuring high-quality dairy products.

What is the difference between Prairie Farms Dairy vs Dairy Plant Worker?

AspectPrairie Farms DairyDairy Plant Worker
Primary RoleProcessing and packaging dairy productsOperating equipment and maintaining production lines
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety and equipment operation training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, cold and noisyManufacturing plant, similar environment
Industry UsageCommonly employed by dairy companies like Prairie FarmsTypically employed in dairy processing facilities

Prairie Farms Dairy employs Dairy Plant Workers to operate machinery, ensure product quality, and maintain safety standards. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related in the dairy industry.

More about Prairie Farms Dairy jobs
What cities are hiring for Prairie Farms Dairy jobs? Cities with the most Prairie Farms Dairy job openings:
What states have the most Prairie Farms Dairy jobs? States with the most job openings for Prairie Farms Dairy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prairie Farms Dairy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prairie Farms Dairy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prairie Farms Dairy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,602 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Lab Technician

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.

Carbondale, IL โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Laboratory Technician

Prairie Farms Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative. Founded in 1938, Prairie Farms manufactures and distributes a complete line of fluid milk and dairy products throughout the Midwest. Our products are available in grocery chains, mass merchandiser, club stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, drug stores, schools, food service outlets and warehouse distribution centers. We have an opening in our Quality Assurance Department for a Laboratory Technician in our Carlinville, Illinois facility. This position reports to the Corporate Lab Director.

Purpose

The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for testing both raw and processed fluid milk products and operating the modern testing equipment. Applicants must be able to communicate and work well with other team members.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week)

Hours: Range between 6am - 5 pm Mon-Friday and possible weekend hours

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Operate milk laboratory equipment, including but not limited to the following: Foss FT3 component analyzer, pH meter, autoclave, analytical scales, incubators, 3M petrifilm, etc.
  • Perform approved testing methods for rapid screening of detection of antibiotics
  • Perform analytical testing for components of dairy products
  • Monitor weight control of finished items
  • Perform calibration techniques on laboratory equipment
  • Ability to recognize and identify both technical and instrumental problems and present solutions
  • Navigation of software programs specific to the dairy industry
  • Keen observation to any deviations from company specifications and alert management in a timely manner
  • Solid planning and organizational skills, detail orientation and the ability to manage multiple projects in a timely manner with limited direct supervision
  • Compliance with GMP, Safety and Work Policies
  • Other duties may be assigned

Requirements

  • Ability to acquire Certifications for Raw Milk Testing Equipment and pass necessary ongoing training certifications.
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other technology-based programs related to the position
  • Physical demands may include: standing, walking, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 50lbs.
  • Self-Starter with the ability to work independently; good time management skills, flexibility to take on additional tasks as necessary.
  • Must be organized and detail oriented; excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to maintain flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
  • Three-month probationary period


Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement Program

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off


Prairie Farms Dairy is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Prairie Farms Dairy logo

About Prairie Farms Dairy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1940, PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY is a prominent player in the dairy industry located in Carlinville, IL, US. The company prides itself on being a hardworking farm cooperative with a unique mission to support the American dairy farmer. Producing and delivering quality dairy products is the heart of their operation, which spans a large range of offerings including milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt. The company's core values comprise integrity, quality, and commitment to continuous improvement. As a crucial achievement, PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY has won numerous local, state, and international awards for many of its products.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Edwardsville, IL, US

Year founded

1938

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