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4C
4000 Chr. Hansen, Inc.
Operator - Fermentation (Nights)
Career Insights for Food Production Worker
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Based on Wisconsin data
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What they do
A Food Production Worker operates machinery used to prepare and cook food, and produces packaged food to sale to retail or wholesale customers.
$38,681 / year median in Wisconsin
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Interested in a career that matters? In our Fermentation department, you'll join a team responsible for critical production steps—including sanitizing, pelletizing/freeze‑drying, mixing, separating, and monitoring—to ensure safe, precise, and high‑quality output. The team collaborates closely, troubleshoots equipment or process issues, and supports each other across trained areas. You'll also contribute to continuous improvement using Lean principles and help develop peers through training and knowledge sharing. The Role & Your Impact As an Operator in Fermentation, you'll play a central role in operating, adjusting, sanitizing, and monitoring specialized equipment used to produce high‑quality microbial products. Your work ensures process consistency, compliance with GMP standards, and seamless production flow. You'll contribute directly to product quality, safety, and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing, operating, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing fermentation and processing equipment.
- Mixing raw materials, overseeing fermentation runs, and completing downstream separation and bulk packaging.
- Handling materials—including transporting product in and out of -55°C freezers; stacking, labeling, and verifying lot/batch numbers for traceability.
- Collecting and submitting samples for Quality Control testing.
- Following GMPs, ISO safety protocols, sanitary requirements, and supporting Kosher/Halal compliance.
- Complying with facility hygiene rules (no jewelry, nail polish, artificial nails/lashes, perfumes, etc.) and restricted food/beverage and cell phone use.
- Completing accurate documentation and data entry for production, inventory, and quality records. What You'll Need to Be Successful
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Basic math skills, including metric conversions.
- Ability to read and follow production journals and instructions.
- Ability to use basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench) for equipment assembly/disassembly.
- Basic computer skills; SAP experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills with co‑workers regarding process status.
- Experience in regulated, fermentation, or food manufacturing environments preferred but not required.
- Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift (preferred). Additional Skills & Interests We Value
- Curiosity and drive to learn the process deeply—not just follow steps.
- Reliability and pride in producing high‑quality work.
- Strong attention to detail to maintain safety and quality.
- Desire to support teammates, share knowledge, and contribute to continuous improvement. What We Offer
- A collaborative team environment focused on learning and continuous improvement.
- Opportunities to expand technical skills in fermentation and downstream operations.
- A role where your contribution directly supports product quality and customer satisfaction. Ways of Working / Working Conditions
Schedule:
7‑on/7‑off rotation on days -Monday-Friday:
10‑hour shifts -Saturday-Sunday:
12‑hour shiftsOvertime:
Built into the schedule, with additional hours available during off‑weeks as needed.Environment:
Wet, humid, dusty, or loud conditions; exposure to chemicals, airborne particles, moving machine parts, and extremely cold environments (-55°C). Work may occur in small air‑locked rooms.PPE:
Required company uniform, coveralls, dust mask, hearing protection, hair/beard nets, safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes.Allergens:
Potential exposure to milk/dairy allergens.- Hygiene rules: No jewelry, fragrances, artificial nails/lashes; restricted food/beverages; no personal cell phones in production areas.
- Physical demands: Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, crawling, scooping, lifting/moving up to 50 lbs; operating equipment and tools. Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly rate: $19-$25 per hour, based on experience.
- 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance Healthcare savings account option Employee assistance program Parental leave Tuition reimbursement All benefits begin on your first day Relevant Information
- Application deadline: 7/31/26 Our purpose guides the way In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges.