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
  • 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!  

Production Supervisor-Makeroom (AM & PM)

Our makeroom department has 2 supervisory positions available.  The Makeroom Production Supervisor is responsible for directing the cheese making process to ensure product quality, crew safety, and production efficiencies are being met.  Other duties and responsibilities include; production scheduling, quality control, knowledge of all machinery, coordination of staff schedules, training, coaching and department productivity.  Must be mobile and able to direct a team in a changing work environment.  This is a working supervisor position so working on the production floor is required.  The job requirements for this position include the capability to lift/push/pull/stack up to 60 lbs., stand on feet for long periods of time, the ability to be a licensed forklift operator, and work every other weekend.  The AM Production Supervisor role is on a rotational schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off, working every other weekend from the hours of 7:00a-7:00p.  The PM Production Supervisor position is also on a rotation, working 7 days on and 7 days off from the hours 7pm-7am.  Get 7 days off in a row!  To be successful as a supervisor, we're looking for candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to motivate people, assess and develop employee skills and provide effective leadership for growth and development. 

Production Supervisor-Loaf Pack (2nd Shift)

The Loaf Pack Production Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of packaging cheese on 2nd shift.  This includes production scheduling, quality control, knowledge of all machinery, and coordination of staff schedules and training and department productivity.  The supervisor is responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the department, as well as accurate recording of all production information.  Must be mobile and able to direct a team, in a changing work environment.  This is a working supervisor position so working on the production floor is required.  

The job requirements for this position include the capability to lift/push/pull/stack up to 50 lbs., the ability to be a licensed forklift operator, and work every other weekend.  The shift starts between 3-4 pm and goes until the work is finished.  To be successful in this position we're looking for candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills, a positive attitude, dependable attendance, and effective leadership skills to motivate their team for optimal production.  

Loaf Pack Lead (2nd Shift)

We are currently accepting applications for the position of Loaf Pack Lead for 2nd shift.  This lead position is responsible for completing all duties of a Loaf Pack Operator as well as enforcing all safety policies, documenting attendance of employees, assisting employees with questions, promoting a good working attitude and environment, and enforcing all policies and procedures.  Other duties include: making a daily worksheet, detailing orders, keeping accurate records, and checking orders for accuracy.  All leads must have excellent communication skills with the employees and be able to work as part of a team in a very fast paced work environment. The physical requirements of this position include: ability to lift up to 70 lbs, Push/Pull/Stack up to 70 lbs., lifting could be continuously 40 lbs depending on size of blocks, standing on feet for entire shift, and repetitive motion and frequent use of hands.  This position is full-time nights, working hours are 4:00pm-until the work is complete. This is a Sunday through Saturday rotation schedule, with every other weekend being required.  

Production and Packaging Positions Available

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

Burnett Dairy Cooperative is currently looking to hire full-time production employees to work in various manufacturing departments of our cheese production facility. All applicants must be 18 years old to apply. Multiple positions and shifts are currently available and listed below.  

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!   Burnett Dairy is offering a $1,000 New Hire Sign-on Bonus for Makeroom Operators!

*NEW POSITIONS* Makeroom Operator (Mon-Fri, 6p-2a)

Burnett Dairy always strives to grow and develop our company, and we are excited to announce we will be manufacturing a variety of Wood River Creamery cheeses within our makeroom department.  Adding these new cheeses into our process requires more Makeroom Operators to make this cheese.  The shift we have developed for this new line of cheeses is Monday-Friday, from 6:00p-2:00a.  The Makeroom Operator responsibilities are listed within the position description above. A $1,000 New Hire Sign-on Bonus is also available for this position!   If you're looking for a Mon-Fri opportunity, apply today! 

Whey Process Operator (AM Shift)

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. This is a 1st shift, full-time position that works 6am – 6pm on a rotational schedule of 2 days on 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off (which includes every other weekend off).

Skilled Maintenance Technician/Engineer (3rd Shift)

Burnett Dairy is looking for a Skilled Maintenance Technician/Engineer to join our maintenance team!  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 prior experience with robotics and automation, at least 8 yrs of maintenance experience working in food manufacturing, and strong mechanical abilities to include electrical and fabrication experience.  Applicants must be reliable and able to troubleshoot and work independently in a fast-paced working environment. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 12:00a-8:00a, and 1 rotational weekend.  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!  

Cheese Innovation Scientist

The role of the Cheese Innovation Scientist is to assist with the execution of R&D projects in order to deliver new cheese products and concepts to expand our core business. This position also helps with scale-up trials, recipe development, and standard operating procedures for production related to new products. Primary responsibilities for this position include:

Research & Development

  • Assisting with development and commercializing new products and processes including bench top development, pilot plant trials, and production plant trials to achieve business objectives.
  • Preparing periodic special reports concerning the results of laboratory tests or products development trials including next steps and impact on key business initiatives.
  • Designing and developing stress and shelf-life systems in support of new product/package development.
  • Applying experimental design and statistics to sensory research and product development.

Quality Assurance

  • Working with lab personnel/suppliers/vendors to evaluate ingredients, recipes, and processes to ensure the highest quality product
  • Providing technical support and problem solving on cheese production and product performance issues.
  • Developing SOPs for scale-up trials and performs audits on new R&D products to ensure they are being produced according to SOPs as well as all specifications.

Miscellaneous

  • Determining appropriate research methodologies to coordinate, design, plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret in-house tests and consumer research studies (quantitative research) to reduce business risk in decision-making and enhance product knowledge. 
  • Demonstrating proficiency in analytical, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of sensory methods and techniques (discrimination, descriptive and consumer test methods).
  • Working efficiently and productively with R&D, QA, Operations, and Supply Chain
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

The educational requirements for this position are a Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, or related required with 3-5 years of experience.  A Master’s Degree is preferred.  In order to be successful in this position, candidates should have demonstrated analytical experience, specifically for various chemical, sensory and physical properties like protein, calcium, fat, moisture, flavor, texture, shredabilty and meltability.  Demonstrated expert test development knowledge and strong presentation, scientific writing, communication and listening skills are also required.  

Agronomy and Co-op Opportunities

Commodity Manager

The purpose of the Commodity Manager is to develop, implement, and maintain a commodity inventory strategy that supports the Company’s supply chain in order to purchase quality products and services at competitive and fair prices, while establishing and maintaining strong customer relationships.  Individual duties encompass a variety of responsibilities to include: evaluating market conditions, contracting for grain and other commodities and managing inventory, ordering and logistics.  Qualifications for this position include a Bachelors Degree in Business, Economics or Finance and 5 years of experience required.  Candidates for this position must have strong attention to detail, excellent verbal and written communication skills, a positive attitude, the ability to use critical thinking to problem solve, capability to make formal presentation, and experience working with financials including developing P&L statements, and budgeting.  

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

Located outside the quaint town of Spring Valley Wisconsin, historic Cady Cheese (Burnett Dairy Coop) is currently seeking qualified individuals to join our store staff.

Quality Control Technician (2nd Shift)

Food Safety and Quality are one of the highest priorities for our company. The Quality Control Technician (QA/QC Tech) is responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative testing of raw materials and finished goods throughout the entire production process including, analyzing product attributes, conducting package inspections, and auditing lot/date info.  Through daily process checks, as well as short and long term projects, the QA/QC Tech will ensure the integrity of all products produced by Burnett Dairy, so that our customers can always enjoy our products with full confidence and satisfaction. The QA/QC Tech must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, strong analytical skills, have a high level of organizational skills, including written and verbal communication, be a creative problem solver, have both a positive attitude and commitment to company goals.  3-5 years experience in food/dairy production/manufacturing or relevant lab technician experience preferred.  Additional desired skills and qualifications include: knowledge of GMP’s, Sanitation, and HACCP principles.  In order to support the off-shifts, candidates for this position will need to work on 2nd shift, Monday-Friday from 2:00 pm-10:00 pm.

Milk Receiving

The milk receiving position receives incoming milk, performing required testing for the presence of antibiotics, acid and pH levels. Maintain the Intake area as good manufacturing practices require. Must be able to work independently with little supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Receives incoming milk trucks
  • Collects and tests milk samples following established policies and procedures
  • Document data and activities on all necessary forms
  • Inspects Milk for non-conformities and reports any deviations to the Supervisor
  • Monitors silo activity; responding as needed
  • Maintains the Intake area in a sanitary manner
  • Operate CIP equipment as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

  • Basic computer skills preferred; Excel
  • Maintain a Milk, Food & Water Analyst Certification; we will train and help to obtain the initial certification
  • Drug Screening: Charm SL (Safe Level); we will train and help to obtain the initial certification

Physical Demands

  • Occasionally required to lift/carry 40 - 50 pounds
  • Occasionally required to bend, stoop, reach and lift above shoulders, kneel, balance and crouch
  • Required to climb ladders multiple times throughout shift
  • Must be able to stand, walk and use fine motor coordination throughout the entire shift

Availability

  • Availability requirements include: afternoons and 5am until done on weekends (8 to 10 hours), holidays
  • Regular and dependable attendance is required.

Cheese Store Clerk (Full-time & Part-time)

Visitors to our Factory and Gift Shop can browse our unique selection of gift items or sample a variety of cheeses. An ideal Cheese Store Clerk candidate should provide our visitors with the experience only Cady Cheese can give.  Job duties include, but are not limited to: cashiering, stocking shelves and coolers, maintaining a clean and sanitary work area, and helping customers with their transactions.  To be qualified for this position, a person must be comfortable using a computer, be able to collect money and make change, be comfortable working with food products, is customer service driven, detailed orientated, and a team player that is able to perform in a fast pace environment.  This job requires constant standing, infrequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and the shift requirements include days, weekends, and some holidays, between the hours of 8:30am - 5:30pm with flexible scheduling and a competitive wage with a shift differential for weekend shifts!  If you're passionate about food, enjoy working with customers and co-workers, and are at least 18 yrs old, then APPLY TODAY!

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Employment Application

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Driver Application

To apply at our Grantsburg location, please complete the Burnett Dairy Cooperative Employment Application.  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 Burnett Dairy Cooperative Employment Application. You may email your application and/or resume to jill.filkins@cadycheese.com or call Jill Filkins at 715.689.4403 for more information.