General Production Worker

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.

We are currently seeking a Production Worker to carry out various tasks for our Production Area at our North Country Dairy Plant. Prior Material Handling a plus along with excellent communication skills.  All qualified, responsible applicants are encouraged to apply. We offer a competitive salary and generous paid time off. Must be available to work weekends, holidays and any shift (1st, 2nd, 3rd). 

Job Description:

• The Production Worker- General Help is responsible for ensuring optimum quality products through the operation of various product families following regulatory standards, ensuring the product is clean and sterile.
• Clean, set-up, operate and monitor equipment of the production line.
• Complete all required documentation and scheduled quality checks.
• Monitor weights, seals, caps, and general packaging of product.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties.
• Collect required samples needed for Quality Assurance testing.
• Ensure that the proper packaging materials are used for each product being produced.
• Will have working knowledge and experience with labeler operations; watching for jams and effectively threading wrap to prevent downtime due to error.
• Perform filler and filler line changeovers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Complete cleaning checklist once line has completed run.
• Prepare equipment for next run to include size changes as needed.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP’s.
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes
• Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area.
• Follow all required work safe practices. This would include wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
• Responsible for food safety, pre-requisite programs and food quality related to designated area.
• Report any food safety and food quality related issues to management immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Must be able to stand, walk, push or pull for virtually the entire shift.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally including overhead.
• Must be able to work in a wet environment. Some exposure to cleaning chemicals.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Be able to effectively work in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Pay: $24.22/hr.

*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA.  The posted pay rate 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, 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.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is an American dairy cooperative located in Buffalo, New York. Products provided by the cooperative include milk, cream, butter, yogurt, half and half, juices, egg nog, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream mix and chip dips. Upstate Niagara Cooperative is owned by farmers throughout western New York State.