Fruit Station Operator - Yogurt Manufacturing

Looking for a job that can grow into a lifelong career?
At Lactalis USA, we believe in promoting from within and giving our employees meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, we'll provide the tools and support you need to succeed.

Lactalis is the world leader in dairy-a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Every day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day.

In the US, we offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with sour cream and a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We're building a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us make an impact.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Fruit Operator based in Casa Grande, Arizona.

The Fruit Operator is responsible for preparing, handling, monitoring, and transferring fruit preparations used in yogurt manufacturing. This role ensures that all fruit ingredients are processed according to quality, food safety, and production standards while supporting efficient plant operations. The Fruit Operator works closely with production, quality assurance, and processing to ensure product consistency and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.

One full-time opportunity 12-hour shift - 06:00 PM to 06:30 AM on a 2 - 2 - 3 rotation. Up to $25 per hour, depending on knowledge skill, and experience.

• 401K match up to 7% annually.
• Referral bonus programs ($750-1500)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision
• FSA & HSA programs
• Education Assistance Program
• Paid time off includes 7 core holidays, 2 floating holidays, 2 volunteer days, and prorated vacation time up to 15 days
• Premium pay (overtime) when working on Sundays and core holidays
• And much more

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Receive, verify, and stage fruit ingredients for production.
• Operate fruit blending, mixing, pumping, and transfer equipment according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Accurately measure and add fruit preparations to yogurt production batches.
• Monitor equipment performance and product specifications throughout the production process.
• Complete required production records, batch documentation, and inventory transactions.
• Perform quality checks, including monitoring temperature, viscosity, appearance, and ingredient accuracy.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, HACCP, and sanitation requirements.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and basic equipment troubleshooting.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, pumps, hoses, and processing equipment according to established procedures. Communicate production issues, equipment concerns, and quality deviations to supervisors.
• Assist with inventory control and material handling activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous manufacturing, food production, dairy processing, or related industrial experience preferred.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions, production schedules, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience in dairy, yogurt, beverage, or food manufacturing environments, preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and food safety regulations, preferred.

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge

• Fast-paced food manufacturing facility.
• Exposure to processing equipment, cleaning chemicals, and production noise.
• Required adherence to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, climb stairs, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including refrigerated ingredient storage areas.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Safety Awareness
• Quality Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Reliability and Attendance
• Teamwork and Communication
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset