Lactose Operator II

Company: Agropur
Location: Lake Norden
Posted on: February 7, 2026

Job Description:

Job Type: RegularThe Lactose Operator II is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of all equipment and machinery related to lactose processing. This position also performs Clean In Place cycles, keeping all equipment and the processing environment clean and sanitized. Invest in you, Join Agropur as an Operator for the Lake Norden Plant. We dairy you! PTO on your first day of work! How Agropur invests in YOU: Starting Rate: $28.70 hourly Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00 Sunday Double Time Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focusing on your physical, financial, and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions 3 Weeks PTO on day 1 Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays Paid parental leave Advancement Opportunities Healthy work/life balance Schedule: 2-2-3 Days and nights rotation- 5:30am to 5:30pm and 5:30pm to 5:30am What’s involved in this role: The Lactose Operator II is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of all equipment and machinery related to lactose processing. This position also performs Clean In Place cycles, keeping all equipment and the processing environment clean and sanitized. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Operate all the key pieces of dairy processing equipment in the Lactose department, performing CIP as needed and per schedule. Successfully follow complex procedure equipment start-up. Proficiently run equipment involving emptying crystallization tanks, and refining lactose crystals before drying into Lactose powder. Regulate factors such as solids and temperature, making adjustments depending on the type of product to be produced. Take frequent readings, logging up to fifty variables. Operate Clean In Place (CIP) cycles, troubleshooting and maintenance of machinery. Clean and sanitize all parts and areas of the Lactose department including walls, floors and equipment. Assist with product processing and packaging including handling of 25 kg bags. Maintain knowledge of product flow’s and trace piping, troubleshooting as needed. Maintain knowledge of valves and pumps. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures. Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures. Correct or report any observed safety hazards. Support safety policies and programs. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications: Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience Required: Minimum two (2) years of experience in a food manufacturing or dairy processing environment required. Experience with the operation of pharmaceutical equipment and related processes. (Le Sueur only) Certification/Licensure Required: None Skills Required: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues. Demonstrate attention to detail, quality and cleanliness in work. Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, establish priorities, ability to multitask, and meet deadlines. Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information. Able to legibly document work. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate functional and technical knowledge, ability to learn new skills quickly, and achieve a high level of accomplishment. Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. Where you’ll be working: Our Lake Norden, SD, plant is home to approximately 450 employees and boasts a brand new, state of the art cheese and whey facility. We produce mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, asiago, and Monterey Jack cheeses as well as various whey streams. Agropur’s US operations produce 1 billion pounds of quality, award-winning cheese each year. We create more than 20 different varieties and provide whey protein and dry ingredients which are by-products of the cheesemaking process. As one of the world’s largest dairy producers, Agropur partners with some of the most recognizable food, beverage and nutrition brands to help feed the world. Better Dairy. Better World. Agropurus.com We dairy you ! JOIN AGROPUR. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.

Keywords: Agropur, Sioux Falls , Lactose Operator II, Manufacturing , Lake Norden, South Dakota