Job Summary:
The Center for Dairy Research at UW-Madison is hiring 2 cheesemakers to work in the cheese pilot plant. This position is like no other in the cheesemaking industry. This exciting position will be working in a team environment with other cheesemakers and dairy processors where research, product development, troubleshooting, innovation, training, and working with clients from around the world allows for personal growth like no position elsewhere in our industry. This position will be learning exciting new innovations in the dairy industry through internal and external training opportunities.
The successful candidate will be required to have the knowledge, skills and motivation to operate all cheese, dairy processing, and packaging equipment. This position will be making specialty cheese which needs to be ripened in unique environmental rooms (caves). This position may also be required to manufacture other natural cheese or processed cheese in addition to manufacturing butter. The cheesemaker will be supporting the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance in addition to all CDR clients/activities. This includes assisting faculty, staff, industry clients, and students in all aspects of cheese and dairy production.
The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out all aspects relating to the cheese manufacturing process in collaboration with co-workers. In addition to cheesemaking and cheese ripening, this position will require equipment set up and operation, record keeping, sanitation, inventory control, packaging, ripening, and storage of cheese. The candidate must hold or be willing to obtain all licenses required by the State of Wisconsin to unload and process milk in addition to making cheese.
The cheesemaker is responsible for all aspects of food safety and quality control procedures including the automation/controls system used for operating and cleaning (CIP) process equipment. The candidate must follow Standard Operating Procedures for all equipment in processing areas. This also includes hands-on responsibility for washing and sanitizing walls, floors, and other non-product surfaces as directed. The cheesemaker must perform periodic chemical and physical tests on equipment and solutions. The cheesemaker must take all samples and perform all quality or compositional tests required for the industry and research trials, recording results in the automation software or in make sheets for record keeping.
The cheesemaker must maintain a clean, neat and safe environment in the dairy facility consistent with CDR objectives and State of Wisconsin regulations while collaborating to make excellent cheese for research, samples for trade shows, testing ingredients, and carrying out research objectives.
Responsibilities: Manufactures and provides oversight and training for the cheese making process to ensure the safe production of high quality cheese for research and retail.
- 40% Leads the production of a variety of cheeses following established procedures and sanitation guidelines
- 20% Monitors cheese making quality control processes and reports issues
- 10% Participates in cheese making demonstrations to various audiences
- 10% Operates, trains, and/or manages staff on the use of equipment, sanitation, and operational procedures
- 15% Audits and maintains inventory and equipment and cleans work areas
- 5% Greets customers, answers questions, and provides information regarding cheese, cheese preparation, and associated activities
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Preferred
H.S. Diploma
Qualifications:
1. Must hold/obtain a valid Wisconsin Appendix N antibiotic certification within 6 months of hire.
2. Knowledge of cheese manufacturing. Must hold/obtain a State of Wisconsin Cheesemakers license within six months of hire.
3. Knowledge of basic safety precautions including precaution in use of caustic and toxic chemicals, methods of lifting heavy objects, and safe work clothing.
4. Knowledge of specialty cheese manufacture and cheese ripening.
Work Schedule:
This full-time position requires non-standard working hours to meet project requirements. Must be able to unload milk up to 7 days per week as required by CDR staff. Standard work hours for this position will be 8-4 but employee may be required to work earlier or later based on work requirements or the discretion of the supervisor.
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $23.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
This position is eligible for a $2000 hiring bonus.
Additional Information:
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. At CALS, we acknowledge that bias, prejudice, racism and hate have historically occurred in many forms that cause significant and lasting harm to members of our community. We commit to taking actions each day toward a college that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are committed to fostering and embracing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from potential candidates of all races, class, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, religion, and other group identities; and we encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How to Apply:
Please submit resume, cover letter and list of references.
Contact:
Tina Chorlton
tina.gislason@wisc.edu
608-262-3416
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Cheesemaker(DS002)
Department(s):
A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/DAIRY RES, CTR FOR
Employment Class:
University Staff-Ongoing
Job Number:
282267-CP