Starter Room Operator

Company: Agropur
Location: Le Sueur
Posted on: January 25, 2026

Job Description:

Job Type: RegularThe Starter Room Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating, sanitizing, maintaining and monitoring starter, vat pasteurization, media prep and related equipment. Join Agropur, Invest in YOU! We are actively looking for our next "Starter Room Operator" at our Le Sueur, MN location. The Starter Room Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating, sanitizing, maintaining and monitoring starter, vat pasteurization, media prep and related equipment. Work Schedule: Generally: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm However, candidate must have FLEXIBILITY to work any time of the day, and any day of the week, including weekends, per the cheese production schedule How Agropur Invests in you: Starting pay of $27.90/hr Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00 $1.50 Shift Differential Double Time on Sunday Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k) with up to a 7% company match 3 Weeks PTO, available on day 1 7 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays Paid parental leave Advancement Opportunities Healthy work/life balance Tuition Reimbursement Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Manufacture starter to conform with internal specifications and expectations. Monitor the complete process for efficient and quality starter. Adhere to quality system requirements. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management. Monitor all equipment and recording charts; ensure proper function. Perform starter activity tests as needed. Monitor phage results and rotate cultures as needed. Monitor freezer temperatures and record. Completely and accurately fill out all recording charts. Record all required information on the make sheets. Complete CIP of Recon Tank, HTST and all other equipment used during the production run. Record chemical concentration checks during CIP’s as required. Perform tasks on Master Sanitation Log as required and record. Maintain starter area, HTST room and storage room in a clean and sanitary manner. Communicate any issues, schedule changes, etc. to Supervisor/Manager Keep an accurate ingredient inventory; updating at least monthly. Assist in adding salt into hopper or brine. Return all used sample vials to the laboratory. Other Duties and Responsibilities: This position may involve operation of a Critical Control Point as determined by the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and the Master Sanitation Schedule. 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: SAP Experience preferred. No experience necessary; in-house training provided. Previous experience in food manufacturing preferred. Good mechanical aptitude required. Basic computer skills/experience preferred. Certification/Licensure Required: None Skills Required: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues. Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work. Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information. Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Ability to work with minimum supervision, adapt to a changing environment quickly, and think independently. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and complete required documentation. Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Where you’ll be working: Our presence in Le Sueur, MN, consists of the following facilities: Le Sueur Cheese, Le Sueur Ingredients, Le Sueur Protein Research Center and the Le Sueur Business Office. Our cheese facility produces various types of cheese, including cheddar, monterey jack, asiago, fontina, parmesan and romano. Our ingredients facility runs various whey streams, including; whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein concentrate 34 (WPC 34), whey protein concentrate 80 (WPC 80) and both pharma and food-grade lactose. 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 Apply today! 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, Edina , Starter Room Operator, Manufacturing , Le Sueur, Minnesota