LUB L2 Dry Ingredient Blending Trainee

For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a L2 Dry Ingredient Blending Trainee. This is an overnight position.

This position starts at $21.35 per hour then become 26.75 once certified. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay. 

Summary Description:

The Dry Ingredient Blending Trainee is an entry‑level role focused on learning the accurate mixing, handling, and documentation of dry ingredient batches used in cheese production. Under close supervision, the trainee supports the preparation, blending, and distribution of dry ingredients—including bulk cellulose—while developing the skills needed to maintain product quality and proper recordkeeping.

Once all required training and certifications are completed, the Trainee will advance to the Dry Ingredient Blending 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:

• Maintain accurate batch records — Enter all required batch information into the MES system accurately and on time.
• Navigate HMI systems — Learn to move through HMI screens, schedule and edit batches, assign product codes, and troubleshoot basic system issues.
• Blend powder ingredient batches — Assist with accurate and timely blending of powder ingredients, coordinating with cheese supervisors or team leads during changeovers.
• Blend cellulose batches — Support the blending and distribution of cellulose batches, ensuring proper timing and communication with processing supervisors or team leads.
• Maintain a clean work area — Keep the Dry Ingredient Blending area, including receiver areas, neat, organized, and compliant with food safety expectations.
• Verify scale accuracy — Use periodic can checks and mass balance methods to confirm that automatic scale systems are functioning correctly.
• Communicate effectively — Share information clearly with co‑workers, team leads, and supervisors to support smooth and accurate blending operations.
• Follow sanitation procedures of all equipment at shutdown
• Complete assigned GMP and housekeeping duties and maintain 5S standards as required
• Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct
• Complete assigned inspection program duties.
• Complete paperwork accurately and in a timely manner. Know and understand the normal operational readings for all data recorded. Take action to correct problems should operations fall outside of normal process.
• This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.

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:

Two years of work experience operating machinery in a manufacturing environment and experience with HMIs are preferred

Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:

Work Environment Description:

• This position will be exposed to an operations environment including both wet and dry production areas with loud noise and varying degrees of temperature from freezer to extreme heat
• Bending, squatting and climbing of steps may be needed occasionally
• Specific vision may be required for this position, including close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to read computer screens for extended time periods
• Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty-five (55) pounds repeatedly
• Frequent climbing of stairs, standing and walking and occasional bending and reaching as needed

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