2nd Shift Grinder Operator

Date: Nov 21, 2024

Location: La Crosse, WI, US, 54603

Company: Great Lakes Cheese

Job Overview

The Grinder Operator is responsible for maintaining the proper blend of cheese ingredients. This is a physical, fast-paced position at the beginning of our production process with lots of teamwork involved.

Job Responsibilities

  • Use forklift to gather pallets of cheese from staging warehouse.
  • Tip barrels of cheese onto fork and use forklift to put barrel onto grinder belt.
  • Manually lift 40lb blocks of cheese onto grinder belt.  
  • Use utility knife to remove cardboard and plastic.
  • Work with a teammate and move at fast pace to keep the process going.
  • Coordinate with production supervisors on production order add-ons, product changeover’s and tie outs.
  • Read blend sheets and follow instructions that may be given on the blend sheets to standardize blender.
  • Scan ingredients to in process or blend sheet with a handheld scanner.
  • Follow production order for groups.
  • Keep work area neat and dispose of empty powder bags, cardboard, plastic, and any work debris.  
  • Keep floor swept around grinders.
  • Verify group sheets for accuracy of cheese scanned to group to assure an accurate inventory.  
  • Assist with sanitation and cleaning of plant and equipment.
  • Inspect grinder screens throughout shift.
  • All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures.
  • All GLC employees are expected to produce and promote our products and services in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectation of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Required Education and Experience

• Ability to operate hand held computer, personal computer and computer screen control panels. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to analyze and solve problems. 
• Ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and management. 
• Good Mathematical skills. 
• Good communication skills: verbal and written. 
• Ability to use hand held scanners 
• Basic computer & SAP skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Ability to operate powder control systems.
  • Ability to operate various Powdered Industrial Trucks.

Working Conditions

• Ability to constantly stand/walk; bend/flex/extend neck; frequently grip/reach/lift/pull with L/R hands.
• Ability to frequently handle material from floor-to-waist, waist-to-shoulder and pushing/pulling/carrying.
• Hair nets, ear plugs/muffs, hardhats, and/or safety glasses may be required.
• Product weight: up to 100 lbs
• Repetitive work in a fast-paced production environment with average temperature of 50-60 degrees F.
• Use of motor skills to safely drive tow motors or other motorized vehicles in tight quarters.

EEOC & Disclaimer

Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.


Nearest Major Market: La Crosse
Nearest Secondary Market: Winona