Membrane Operator

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry’s latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

shift schedule:

12 Hour Days: This is a day shift position, with hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The role follows a rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on, and three days off. Team members will work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

job purpose:

Operate the membrane plants which include tank selection of skim milk and filtration tanks/silos, monitoring and maintaining heat exchangers and membrane process control variables. Document accurate recordings of process parameters while in operation.

responsibilities:

• Follow all safety, working, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules. Keep the work center audit ready.
• Report to and follow the direction of Processing Supervisors.
• Accurately operate Human-Machine Interface (HMI) adjusting product ratios, concentration factors and parameters as necessary.
• Effectively utilize Human-Machine Interface (HMI) to select appropriate tanks and lines based on production levels.
• Properly sample and provide quality lab product test results.
• Monitor and maintain water tanks, water sterilization and dosage systems.
• Clean process equipment such as silos and lines, which includes, but isn’t limited to, hand cleaning parts, Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Clean-Out-of-Place (COP) operations on a daily basis.
• Take accurate samples to monitor Clean-In-Place (CIP) system for chemical concentration.
• Service pumps, valves and heat exchangers to maintain operational state and per routine Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedule.
• Follow escalation protocol based on production and quality triggers.
• Aid in the training of new personnel or upskilling of team members.
• Effectively follow proper standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Complete every shift Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), Centerline (CL), and Clean, Inspect, Lubricate (CIL) tasks on a timely manner and accurately.
• Communicate with upstream and downstream processing on any anticipated schedule delays and/or changes.

skills/qualifications required:

• Must work in a safe, efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot small problems and be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• A high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required
• High School level verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computational skills required. Simple math reasoning required.
• Must be able to operate the equipment effectively after the appropriate break-in period.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sitting/Standing/Walking/Lifting/Carrying: The operator stands throughout their shift and walks on uneven concrete and tile surfaces. The operator lifts up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis. Two or more employees complete lifts of greater than 100 pounds.

Pushing/Pulling/Bending/Stooping: The operator occasionally pushes/pulls a variety of objects which may include empty pallets, and brooms during cleanup activities. The operator will push/pull pipe-fittings during hook up. The operator bends and stoops occasionally throughout the workday, when servicing equipment, picking supplies or waste product off the floor.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling/Twisting/Turning: The operator may squat when picking up supplies and during cleanup duties, including kneeling on the floor and crawling under equipment. Occasional twisting and turning at the waist while changing dryer lances, or making CIP connections.

Climbing/Balancing/Reaching: The operator occasionally climbs approved stairs or ladders. The operator reaches below shoulder level to pick up pipe-fittings from the floor or while servicing product pumps and related equipment. The operator may reach at or above shoulder level when making equipment adjustments, or during cleanup duties.

Grasping/Manipulation: Frequent use of the hands and fingers is required of the 0perator when servicing pumps, using scrub brushes, and connecting pipe-fittings.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Employees will be subject to ambient temperatures as well as elevated temperatures, up to 110 degrees, due to equipment operation and cleaning.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Processing Supervisor

travel requirements: Little to none

exempt/nonexempt: nonexempt