2nd shift Utility Production Team Member in Kalona, Iowa at Open Gate Business Development

The 2nd shift Utility Production Team Member supports a variety of production operations within Open Gates Group’s food manufacturing facilities. This role is highly cross-functional, requiring flexibility to work across multiple areas and shifts based on business needs. Facilities operate 24 hours per day, 6–7 days per week. Typical shift hours are Monday-Friday, 11am to 7pm. Rotational weekend and holiday hours are required.

• Operate production equipment to produce safe, high-quality food products in compliance with GMP and food safety standards.
• Review daily production schedules and instructions before start-up.
• Inspect equipment for cleanliness, damage, or potential contamination risks.
• Monitor and record processing data (e.g., temperature, pH, agitation, acidity)
• Rotate across production areas and tasks as needed.
• Support equipment start-up, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Perform sanitation and housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Meet production targets and processing rates.
• Assist in training and mentoring new team members.
• Support milk receiving operations, including separation and related tasks, as needed.
• Perform documented Quality Tests on the raw milk in accordance with regulatory guidelines before unloading.
• Track milk receiving loads and record results.
• Assist with internal product transfers and wastewater hauling as required.
• Follow all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

• High school diploma or GED required; food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to read, record, and communicate data in English.
• Flexible schedule, including overtime and varying shifts as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required; Ability to receive CDL-A with tanker endorsement preferred.
• Ability to lift and move up to 55 lbs regularly.
• Capable of extended physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with all PPE and GMP requirements.
• Positive attitude with a high level of integrity and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet floors, temperature variation, noise, and moving equipment.
• Regular exposure to food allergens and cleaning/sanitation chemicals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Required adherence to PPE, grooming, hygiene, and GMP standards necessary for a food manufacturing environment, such as wearing safety shoes, safety glasses, hair/beard nets, and gloves, and no facial piercings.
• Must be able to safely navigate wet floors, uneven surfaces, and production areas while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including daily overtime and additional hours beyond 40 per week as required.