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.
Must be able to work Weekends and Holidays. Must be available for all shifts (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)
Job Summary:
The Can Line Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, cleaning, and changing equipment on the cans line, including filling, seaming, capping, retorts, labelers, case packers, and material handling systems. This role supports safe and efficient production by troubleshooting equipment issues, completing shift reports and production paperwork, using manufacturing execution systems accurately, and maintaining sanitation and food safety standards throughout the work area.
Areas of Work:
- Line Operator on Can Line (Toda, Talls, Tens & Labeling)
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the Line Operator Position operations on the Cans Line including:
- Ability to operate and clean filling, seaming and capping equipment.
- Ability to operate the retorts and material handling systems.
- Understand and operate the labelers along with associated equipment.
- Ability to understand and operate the Case Packer and associated equipment.
- Ability to diagnose problems and take appropriate action.
- Ability to accurately use MES and SAP
- Ability to perform all changeovers in all areas.
- Complete Daily shift report and collect production line paperwork
- Cleaning procedures and inspection of equipment to maintain safe food processing expectations.
- Maintain clean work environment throughout the Can Line area.
- Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned by management including supervisors, work group leads, and trainers responsible for these areas.
Qualifications:
Experience: previous manufacturing or warehousing experience a plus, but not required
Skills:
- Basic math and writing skills
- Must have reading comprehension skills for completing all:
- Required paperwork, Standard Operating Procedures, manuals and verifying all production counts and updating shift report paperwork verbally, in writing, by computer and/or scanner(s).
Competencies:
- Maintain constant awareness of surrounding environment for the purpose of protecting personal safety and the safety of food products being processed on the line.
- Everyone is responsible for their personal safety and the care and use of all Personal Protective Equipment.
- Must always practice Good Manufacturing Procedures.
- Must always practice Security Procedures.
- Must be conscientious, dependable and reliable.
Working Environment:
Physical Demands: physical ability to lift up to 60 pounds and work on elevated platforms, stairs, and ladders.
Schedule: O-AT-KA operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Schedules are determined by seniority.
Pay: $23.00/hour during training, increasing to $30.50/hour upon successful completion of training.
- 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.
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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
