LUB GRD Trainee

For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a GRD Trainee

This position pays $21.35 per hour. Once certified, the position pays $23.65/hr. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay. 

Summary Description:

The GRD Operator Trainee is an entry‑level role focused on learning the safe and effective operation of the GRD system. Under direct supervision, the trainee develops the ability to verify addback materials, monitor blend quality, and ensure that all GRD product meets required standards.

After completing all required training and demonstrating proficiency, the Trainee may advance to the GRD Operator position.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Job Duties (Accountability Categories and Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities): 

NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.

As a Trainee, you will learn to:

• Operate the GRD system — Assist with running and monitoring the GRD system according to SOPs, including maintaining product temperature, auger speeds, and product consistency.
• Perform equipment shutdown and CIP prep — Learn how to shut down equipment, make physical CIP connections, monitor chemical strengths, and reassemble equipment for production.
• Verify blend accuracy — Support monitoring blend percentages to ensure high‑quality GRD output. Verify that all pallets being added back are produced, dispositioned, released, and compatible with the dry mixer product.
• Troubleshoot equipment — Identify early signs of equipment issues and communicate concerns to team leads, supervisors, or managers.
• Complete operational documentation — Assist with Start‑Up/Shutdown checklists, operational inspections, sanitation records, and CIP titration documentation.
• Follow safety, GMP, and SOP requirements — Learn the standards for safe equipment operation, raw material quality checks, and final product quality expectations.
• Communicate effectively — Relay information clearly to team members, leads, supervisors, and managers, including analysis or quality‑related findings.
• Demonstrate job proficiency — Understand all requirements of the role and work toward successful completion of the job‑specific PSOP certification.
• Follow sanitation procedures of all equipment at shutdown
• Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct
• Ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies such as, inspecting product to meet customer specifications, notifying the supervisor/team lead in the event of clumps, extraneous, etc. and ensuring correct bag codes for each product run
• Complete paperwork accurately.  Know and understand the normal operational readings for all data recorded and action to be taken if outside normal operationsComplete paperwork accurately.  Know and understand the normal operational readings for all data recorded and actions to be taken if outside normal operations.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Must be 18 years old
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
• Ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments or corrective action as necessary
• Ability to access elevated work areas such as climbing ladders/stairs
• Basic math skills to be able to perform mathematical functions
• Ability to understand and apply standard operating procedures
• Ability to maintain clean work area according to good manufacturing processes
• Good communication skills to communicate with co-workers and oncoming/outgoing shifts

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

Experience machine operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment and experience with HMIs are preferred

Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:

Work Environment Description:

• The GRD Operator Trainee must have the ability to:  perform essential job functions which may include lifting up to 45 lbs; access elevated work areas such as climbing ladders/stairs; evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments or corrective action as necessary; wear required personal protective equipment; work in hot, humid, and cold areas; comply with all applicable safety practices; complete written reports; perform basic mathematical calculations; enter data into and pull data from computer systems. 
• The LUB plant is a 24 hour; 7 day a week operation which requires the GRD Operator to work 12 hour shifts to include days, nights, and weekends. The GRD Operator must be able to meet these shift requirements.
• This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.

Additional:

The GRD Operator must be able to work overtime and holidays when required.

Additional:

This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility and to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?

Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing. Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location. Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran

Nearest Major Market: Lubbock