Rochester, Minnesota, USA
9 hours ago
Food Production Technician
Job Title: Liquid Receiving TechnicianJob Description

This role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of liquid receiving, pasteurization, evaporation, CIP, and downstream fermentation support processes within a hygienic manufacturing environment. The position supports growing fermentation operations by managing multiple concurrent processes, maintaining strict quality and food safety standards, and ensuring accurate documentation and communication across operations, quality, and maintenance teams.

ResponsibilitiesPerform line circuit and tank piping connections within the receiving area, including sanitary connections to flow plates, tanker trucks, processing lines, and storage silos.Oversee the receipt and pasteurization of liquid raw materials, including operation of pumps, motors, chart recorders, and associated instrumentation. Follow established procedures using process descriptions, work instructions, quality control results, and job analysis documentation.Execute clean‑in‑place (CIP) operations for line circuits, silos, pasteurizers, and evaporators by selecting appropriate CIP cycles on the FIX system. Demonstrate working knowledge of CIP recipes, cycle parameters, and chemical usage.Operate pasteurizers, evaporators, and CIP systems, including Evaporator #1 and #2, through startup, normal operation, monitoring, and shutdown. Build, monitor, and empty solids in evaporators while maintaining precise control of density, temperature, run rate, and vacuum parameters.Support downstream hygienic fermentation processes by performing sanitary transfers and splitting fermentation media to fermentation and storage vessels, including coordination across 14 site silos and fermenters.Monitor equipment requiring frequent movement across multiple levels of the facility and perform flow plate connections using durable, heavy transfer hoses.Receive full training on the site’s small dryer system and periodically assist the dryer operator as needed.Maintain accurate pasteurization records and chart documentation in accordance with MDA and regulatory requirements. Troubleshoot equipment issues and collaborate with maintenance teams to resolve operational concerns.Document, track, and coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments of raw materials for further processing, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and compliance with documentation standards.Utilize computer‑based systems to perform job functions, including Mapics, pick lists, historical charts and reports, silo control interfaces for adjusting setpoints, and enterprise platforms such as Intelex, SAP, and iFix.Wash, clean, and maintain equipment in accordance with the sanitation manual. Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation standards, and housekeeping requirements across all assigned areas, including the receiving area, control room, truck bay, flow plate, and silo areas.Maintain ongoing communication with the Quality department regarding active processes, fermentations, and product addbacks. Complete daily production logs, shift reports, and cross‑functional communication documentation.Lead by example in maintaining a safe work environment by promoting safety awareness, following established safety procedures, reinforcing safe work practices, and promptly addressing unsafe conditions or behaviors to prevent incidents or accidents.Complete lockout/tagout training and strictly adhere to all safety protocols while working in the field.Consistently support and uphold Quality and Food Safety policies by ensuring full compliance with Quality and Food Safety Management System requirements and promptly escalating and reporting any deviations or system failures to site leadership.Essential SkillsExperience in pasteurization, evaporation, and fermentation processes.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑based environment.Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.Ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously with an understanding of plant‑wide process flow, timing, and attention to detail.Basic mathematical proficiency and foundational computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and industrial control systems.Additional Skills & QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Minimum of six months’ experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.Experience with liquid receiving, pasteurization, evaporation, and fermentation processes is highly desirable.Work Environment

This position operates on 12‑hour shifts with a rotating schedule, typically structured as two days on/two days off, three days on/two days off, and two days on/three days off. This schedule includes weekend work, with approximately two weekends per month worked. Work is primarily performed indoors, with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions. The role involves exposure to fumes, noise, and chemical agents; use of hearing protection is required. Work may be performed in close proximity to moving equipment or machinery. Floors are concrete and may be frequently wet, particularly in the silo area. Temperatures may vary depending on the season and the specific tasks being performed. Physical requirements include the ability to stand and walk regularly throughout the workday, climbing stairs and ladders, and occasionally lifting up to 55 pounds. Adequate vision, as well as the ability to read and write, are necessary to perform job duties.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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