Production Associate

Position Title: Production Associate

Wage: $20.50/Hour 

Shift: Swing Shift

Hours: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM Rotating 1 Weekdays, 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM 1 Weeknights 

Love hands-on work and being part of something that matters?
Join our family-owned cheese production team where quality, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship come first. We’re looking for a self-motivated, dependable individual who’s eager to learn, ready to work, and excited to have a voice in troubleshooting and process improvements. If you value consistency, safety, and producing a product you can be proud of—this is the place for you.

Production Associate Responsibilities:
- Operate and monitor dairy dryer systems (spray dryers or similar) used for milk powder, whey powder, or dairy ingredient production
- Operate and maintain continuous flowing process lines, including pumps, valves, pasteurizers, separators, and transfer systems
- Monitor flow rates, temperatures, pressures, and product consistency to maintain specification standards
- Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, and minor mechanical adjustments on processing equipment
- Maintain compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, and all dairy food safety regulations
- Complete accurate production logs, batch records, and sanitation documentation
- Conduct in-process quality checks including weight verification, moisture checks, and product integrity inspections
- Operate box erecting, case sealing, labeling, and palletizing equipment for finished dairy products
- Perform sanitation and CIP (Clean-In-Place) procedures on dryers, tanks, pipelines, and processing lines
- Move pallets, assist with ingredient staging, and support other production areas as needed

Requirements For Production Associate:
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience in dairy processing equipment
- Experience working with dryer systems and continuous flowing dairy process lines
- Understanding of pumps, valves, temperature controls, pressure systems, and automated controls
- Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards in dairy manufacturing
- Proficient math skills for batch calculations, yields, and production adjustments
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Dependable, self-motivated, and flexible with overtime and weekend work
- High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
- Prior experience in dairy manufacturing or food processing required
- Experience operating spray dryers and continuous dairy process systems strongly preferred
- Forklift certification or experience is a plus
- Clean, temperature-controlled dairy manufacturing environment
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting
- Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently and up to 75 pounds occasionally
- Exposure to heat near dryer systems and wet conditions during sanitation

Wausau@qpsemployment.com

IND050

QPS Employment Group is a full-service staffing firm comprised of dedicated and passionate people with over 50 offices throughout the United States. We place great people with great companies in industrial, skilled trades, administrative, manufacturing, general labor and professional employment. Hiring immediately! 

Why Work with QPS? 
- Access to sought-after positions with leading employers 
- Dedicated placement specialists who will guide you through every step of the job search process 

  Best of all, our services are 100% free to job seekers! 

  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.