LUB L2 Vat Trainee

For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a L2 Vat 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 Vat Trainee is an entry‑level role focused on learning how to safely and accurately support all cheese‑making operations from the milk standardization room through the DMC. Under close supervision, the trainee assists with ingredient additions, equipment monitoring, sampling, sanitation, and documentation to ensure consistent product quality. Once all required training and certifications are completed, the Trainee will advance to the Vat 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 standardization and vat systems — Assist with operating standardization controls, inventory systems, vats, and CIP systems while learning to recognize abnormal conditions.
• Add ingredients accurately — Learn how to add starter, rennet, fortified milk, calcium chloride, probiotics, sweet cream, and whey cream according to the make plan.
• Monitor milk flow — Observe and track milk flow through vats to support consistent cheese production.
• Record make data — Accurately document make data and charts following the operating plan.
• Collect and test samples — Gather samples and perform basic tests to monitor cheese production, including pH, fat, and protein levels.
• Maintain sanitary conditions — Support CIP and manual cleaning to ensure all equipment meets sanitation standards.
• Perform silo sampling and monitoring — Assist with testing silo samples before startup, entering results into the standardizer system, and monitoring silo fat, protein, and inventory.
• Document ingredient usage — Record amounts of starter, probiotics, sweet cream, whey cream, calcium chloride, and rennet used during production.
• Troubleshoot equipment — Identify early signs of equipment issues and communicate them promptly.
• Communicate effectively — Work closely with co‑workers, team leads, and supervisors to support safe, efficient, and consistent vat 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 of age
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
• Ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments as necessary
• 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:

• One year of work experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in machine operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment 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 degress of temperature from freezer to extreme heat
• 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
• Requires good hand dexterity
• Frequent climbing of stairs, standing and walking
• Occasional bending and reaching
• Requires the handling of hazardous chemicals

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