Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift
Company: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
Role summary
Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift is a role at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie, Wisconsin, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-09-01. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.
- Job title
- Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift
- Company
- Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
- Location
- Menomonie, Wisconsin, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Experience level
- 0-2
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-09-01
If you have a passion for cheese and enjoy hands-on work, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a reputable creamery. They're looking for someone eager to learn and grow, with no degree needed. Plus, the starting wage is $22/hour, with shifts available starting at 5 AM.
Job description
Description
$27+/Hour | 4-Day Workweek | Excellent Benefits
Earn Competitive Pay, Enjoy a 4-Day Workweek, and Build a Career with an Award-Winning Creamery
Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and become part of a team producing award-winning cheese while building a rewarding career in the dairy industry. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, training, and opportunities for advancement.
Why Join Our Team?
Starting pay of $27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
$2.00 per hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Pay increase after 120 days
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company-paid life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
Training, cross-training and career advancement opportunities
Schedule
1st Shift: 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Wednesday off
No regularly scheduled weekends; overtime may be available or required as needed
Position Summary
The Licensed Cheesemaker is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of cheese manufacturing, brining, whey, and related production processes. This role requires knowledge of the cheesemaking process, including coagulation, ripening, cutting, cooking, and end-stir phases, as well as proper ingredient use and timing.
The Cheesemaker helps ensure product quality, food safety, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and efficient production while supporting a positive, team-oriented work environment.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain a current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License
Operate cheese vats, HTST, UF, whey, brining, pumps, and related production equipment
Follow cheesemaking formulas, ingredient requirements, and production procedures
Start, operate, monitor, shut down, and CIP production equipment
Accurately record and communicate production data
Monitor product quality and process conditions and make adjustments as needed
Maintain a clean and sanitary work area in accordance with GMPs and food safety requirements
Follow USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, OSHA, and company requirements
Assist with training and mentoring employees on cheesemaking, safety, sanitation, and equipment operation
Communicate effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other departments
Promote a safe, efficient, and team-oriented workplace
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Required
Current Wisconsin Cheesemaker License required
High school diploma or equivalent preferred; relevant dairy or food manufacturing experience considered
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, formulas, and procedures
Ability to understand, speak, read, and write English sufficiently to safely perform job duties and complete required documentation
Strong communication and attention-to-detail skills
Basic computer skills preferred; training provided
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Commitment to food safety, workplace safety, sanitation, and quality
Dependable, punctual, and responsible
Physical Demands
This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and carrying 50+ pounds repetitively, and frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and climbing stairs. Employees may work around heat, cold, water, cleaning chemicals, wet surfaces, production equipment, and noise and must be able to wear required PPE.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily in a food manufacturing and dairy processing plant. Employees must follow all company safety, food safety, GMP, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and may work in varying temperatures and wet or slippery conditions.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Drug and alcohol screening
General background check
Benefits
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
401(k) with company match
Company-paid life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
Training and cross-training opportunities
Career advancement opportunities
About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees - you're family, and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years.
Our Menomonie, Wisconsin production facility manufacturers several varieties of small-batch artisan cheese, including our award-winning Red Rind Muenster, Wisconsin Brick and Hot Pepper Jack.
Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Apply for Licensed Cheesemaker - 1st Shift at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery