Careers

Below you will find the employment opportunities currently available at Burnett Dairy Cooperative.

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Join a successful and award-winning cheese manufacturing company where your contributions make a difference and there is always an opportunity for growth and advancement!

In addition to competitive wages, an excellent work environment, and a company history of stability and security, Burnett Dairy Cooperative is happy to offer the following benefits:

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time after 60 days
  • Paid Holidays (including your birthday!)
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts

Not all benefits are available for part-time employees.

Current Openings at our Grantsburg location:

Plant Manager

The role of the Plant Manager is to oversee all operational aspects of the Cheese Manufacturing Plant in Grantsburg, WI by running the day-to-day operations, addressing, and resolving any issues that arise.  To focus on continuous improvement, the Plant Manager will be responsible for establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and manage plant performance metrics to lead improvements in safety, quality, cost reduction, productivity and on-time delivery.  Another key responsibility of this role is to work with the support functions to streamline business processes and ensure all functions are in sync by implementing SOP’s, communicating, and ensuring consistent execution of the SOP’s. Job skills required for this position include the demonstrated ability to motivate people, assess and develop employee skills and provide effective leadership in a production environment, while functioning in an active and demanding work environment.  The ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and having strong written and verbal communications skills, along with a positive attitude, are great qualities to have in this position.  Educational/Experience requirements include a Bachelors or Associates Degree in a related field (Business Management) and 5 years of experience leading a cheese production facility.  If you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in this role, please contact us!  

Inside Sales and Activation Manager

We are looking for a detail-oriented Inside Sales and Activation Manager to contribute to the achievement of sales targets by supporting sales representatives, coordinating sales and marketing activities, and maintaining good customer relationships. This individual needs to be proficient in Salesforce CRM Software and Applications to update the sales team on goals and tracking and maintaining current price lists.  Other responsibilities for this role include supporting the sales team to improve productivity by contacting customers, making appointments, handling communication in the sales representative's absence, and working with marketing on different events and sales promotions. Driving sales includes planning and implementing both food service and retail brand products, performing competitor analysis and tracking, building and maintaining a calendar of events with operators, retailers and distributors. The required knowledge, skills and abilities for this position include: strong problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to details, proficient using data management software, Salesforce and Microsoft Office, have the ability to develop relationships, have solid brand building experience, and the ability and flexibility to travel as needed.  A Bachelors Degree (in Communications or Business) is preferred, or at least 4 years of related experience.  

Production and Packaging Positions Available

Starting Wages, up to $21.85 per hour!  No experience needed, we will train!  

Makeroom Operator AM & PM Shifts

The Makeroom is a very important piece of Burnett Dairy Cooperative, so we're looking for reliable and hardworking people that have a passion to succeed and exceed, and the desire to learn and grow within our company.  The Makeroom is where the 'magic' of cheesemaking occurs, and as Makeroom Operator you will be responsible for monitoring the cheese making process, taking temps of cooker, Ph and acid levels of cheese, operating machinery, and sanitation.  Must be able to lift up to 65lbs, be self-motivated, and work well with little direction.  There are both AM and PM shifts available. The Makeroom Operator AM works 7a-7p on a rotational schedule of 2 days on 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off (which includes every other weekend off).  The Makeroom Operator PM works 7p-7a on a rotational schedule of 7 days on, 7 days off (which includes every other weekend off).  Get 7 days off in a row!   

Skilled/Technical Opportunities

Cheesemaker (1st Shift)

We are currently accepting applications for a Cheesemaker with the skills and ambition to make the highest quality cheeses.  This is a 1st shift, full-time position that works 7am – 7pm on a rotational schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off, working every other weekend.  The responsibilities for this position consists of operating machines that pasteurize and cook the milk, monitoring the cooking temperature, and mixing the ingredients following the appropriate cheese recipes.  Must be able to work as part of a team in a changing work environment.  Ability to obtain and maintain a WI Cheesemaker’s License is a requirement.  Steady standing, lifting, and stretching is required with the requirements to lift, push, & pull 50 pounds.  Applicants must tolerate a warm work environment and work with little to no supervision while monitoring equipment for long periods of time.  Having strong attention to detail and organization skills are required.

Master Operator-Production

If you are interested in learning the entire cheese making process from the time the milk gets received to being shipped out the door, then the Master Operator position is for you!  The Master Operator is responsible to work where needed within the makeroom, intake, and whey departments of the cheese production facility.  This position is trained to do all the responsibilities of the Makeroom Operator, Cheese Maker, Intake Operator, Whey Operator, and Makeroom COP and CIP. Physical requirements and working conditions include: the ability to Lift/Push/Pull/Stack up to 60 Pounds, stand on feet for entire shift, perform repetitive motion, and must be able to work in hot, humid, damp work environment.  The job requirements include: the ability to function in an active and demanding work environment, obtaining and maintaining forklift certification, and have regular and dependable attendance. 

Agronomy and Co-op Opportunities

Driver/Dry Agricultural Applicator

Burnett Dairy Cooperative is currently accepting applications for a full-time Driver.  The main responsibilities of these positions is delivering /transporting products to local residential and industrial customers in an efficient, punctual, and safe manner per the planned routes.  As a representative of Burnett Dairy Cooperative, you are a key point of contact for our customers and are relied upon to provide prompt, friendly, and efficient service to our customers.  Therefore the right candidates for these positions should have excellent customer service skills, keen attention to detail, and a strong sense of safety.  The additional responsibilities within this role is a Dry Agricultural Applicator, and those duties include: operating and maintaining applicator equipment, maintaining the equipment and tools used in the applicator process, and record keeping.  Installing, adjusting, and performs minor maintenance and repairs on equipment to ensure operating efficiency and effective application. Dependent on weather, the ability to work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings and weekends (as needed) will be required.  To be qualified for this role you must have a valid Class A or B CDL with the ability to obtain a hazmat endorsement (as needed).  Previous driving experience preferred.   All applicants must be able to perform all physical requirements of job to include the willingness to work outdoors in all weather and driving conditions, and the ability to lift up to 75 lbs.

Current Openings at our Cady Cheese location in Wilson, WI:

Plant Manager

The role of the Plant Manager is to oversee all operational aspects of the Cheese Manufacturing Plant in Wilson, WI by running the day-to-day operations, addressing, and resolving any issues that arise.  To focus on continuous improvement, the Plant Manager will be responsible for establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and manage plant performance metrics to lead improvements in safety, quality, cost reduction, productivity and on-time delivery.  Another key responsibility of this role is to work with the support functions to streamline business processes and ensure all functions are in sync by implementing SOP’s, communicating, and ensuring consistent execution of the SOP’s. Job skills required for this position include the demonstrated ability to motivate people, assess and develop employee skills and provide effective leadership in a production environment, while functioning in an active and demanding work environment.  The ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and having strong written and verbal communications skills, along with a positive attitude, are great qualities to have in this position.  Educational/Experience requirements include a Bachelors or Associates Degree in a related field (Business Management) and 5 years of experience leading a cheese production facility.  If you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in this role, please contact us!  

Maintenance Manager

Cady Cheese is seeking a qualified Maintenance Manager.  You may be the right fit if you can positively lead a team of technicians through performing highly diversified duties, such as:  installing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems and processes.  Responsibilities for this role also include: ensuring all equipment and mechanical, electrical, electronic and structural repair and improvements are performed properly and timely. This role also reviews and designs production processes and machinery to improve production speed, quality, safety and volume. Candidates should be self-motivated and organized in order to keep all projects moving forward and on time.  Qualifications for this position include:

  • Technical degree or equivalent in electrical, mechanical, hydraulics and pneumatic maintenance
  • Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), PLC programming and computer operation
  • Knowledgeable in fabrication and welding
  • Knowledgeable of electronics and trouble-shooting of electronics
  • Two years of maintenance and/or maintaining food service equipment
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations, lock out/tag out procedures, and confined space

The physical demands include a very active work environment that requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and climbing throughout the day.  Candidates must frequently lift and/or move items of 50 pounds and occasionally over 75 pounds with assistance.

Plant Superintendent

The Plant Superintendent oversees the PM production supervisors to ensure the PM shift is operating efficiently with daily production, packaging of cheese and plant sanitation, along with having adequate support for each department.  This position also ensures the production team is fully trained, motivated, are following all policies and procedures, and that adequate supplies are available to meet their needs (i.e. ingredients, production tools/equipment complying with corporate supply chain requirements).   The Plant Superintendent also ensures the development of teams through trainings, coaching, documenting coaching activities and the annual review process.  This position will work closely with Quality and Maintenance in order to conduct root cause analysis, corrective actions and preventative actions and proactively focus on processes to prevent problems that could affect product quality and safety.  Requirements for this position include: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or work experience equivalent
  • Computer abilities; Word, Excel, Outlook
  • Two years of food industry experience in operations and production (preferred)
  • Two years Sanitation experience (preferred)
  • Two years of supervisory or managerial experience required
  • Excellent planning, organizational, and project management skills
  • English/Spanish bilingual is a plus
  • Knowledge of OSHA, FDA, USDA, SQF and HACCP.

Availability

  • The Plant Superintendent works afternoon/evening hours; on call and occasional weekends and holidays as the workload demands.
  • Weekly work hours may regularly exceed forty.
  • Regular and dependable attendance is required.

Maintenance Technician (2nd Shift)

The 2nd shift Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems and processes. This position performs multiple maintenance duties within the factory and grounds. Employees are required to perform maintenance and repair on machinery, as well as, welding, electrical, fabricating and mechanical duties. Preferred candidates should have 

  • Technical degree or equivalent in electrical, mechanical, hydraulics and pneumatics maintenance
  • Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), PLC programming and computer operation
  • Knowledgeable in fabrication and welding
  • Knowledgeable of electronics and trouble-shooting of electronics
  • Two years of maintenance and/or maintaining food service equipment
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations, lock out/tag out procedures, and confined space

Applicants must be reliable and able to troubleshoot and work independently in a fast-paced working environment. The schedule for this position is Sunday - Wednesday, 12- 10:30 pm; Overtime and alternate days maybe required based on workload. If you are diligent and thorough in your work, are self-motivated, have a positive attitude, and possess the skills we require to be successful in this position, please apply today!  

Whey Process Operator (Days and Nights)

The Whey Process Operator  is responsible for whey-based products from the time whey enters the pasteurizer until it leaves the plant either as whey protein concentrate or whey permeate.  Duties for this position include: monitoring and operating all equipment in the Whey department including operating and cleaning the whey pasteurizer, R.O./Polisher, U.F., C.I.P systems, and all associated silos.  Whey process employees are also responsible for maintaining various equipment to include pumps, plates and silos to ensure they are in good working condition and operating properly.  Applicants must be able to lift, push/pull 50 pounds, climb ladders, stoop under low hanging pipes, tolerate a warm work environment, and work with little to no supervision while monitoring equipment for long periods of time.  Strong attention to detail and organization skills are required. We have 2 full-time opportunities available, one on days and the other on nights.  These positions are Monday-Saturday, with a rotating day off.  The hours for day shift are 2 am - 12 pm and the night shift hours are 12-8 pm.

Agronomy Sales Specialist

The Agronomy Business Unit of Burnett Dairy Cooperative is currently recruiting for an Agronomy Sales Specialist .  This position is responsible for increasing market share and sales in both the Agronomy and Feed departments while maintaining appropriate margins and providing excellent customer service.  While this position involves travel to local farmers and customers, it will be located at our facility in Wilson, WI.  In order to increase sales, this position will implement on farm trials of new products and help show producers the value in BDC's products.  The Ag Sales Specialist will work with producers/farmers on solutions using tools and resources.  This position will also be responsible for promoting and coordinating the sales of crop protecting products, seed, precision technology and all related services within the company credit and pricing policies.  The job requirements for this position include a Bachelor or Associates Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or Animal/Dairy Science and 3 years of related experience with nutrition and agronomy management is required.  Having strong customer-service skills, with the ability to develop long term relationships with growers/producers, while working in an active and demanding work environment are also required. Being proficient with Microsoft Suite, precision agriculture software, and ration balancing software is also required.  A minimum of 50% travel is required for this position. 

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Employment Application

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Driver Application

To apply at our Grantsburg location, please complete the job application by clicking on the link above.  You may email your application and/or resume to jobs@burnettdairy.com, or call Sara Trojanowski at 715.689.2010 or Becky Popp at 715.689.2005 for more information. 

To apply at our Cady Location: please complete the please complete the job application by clicking on the link above.  You may email your application and/or resume to jill.filkins@cadycheese.com or call Jill Filkins at 715.689.4403 for more information.