Careers

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

Are you looking for a position where your role has an impact on the community around you?!? Burnett Dairy Cooperative can offer you just that opportunity! Owned by the farmers right here in our local communities, Burnett Dairy offers numerous career options with a wide variety of responsibilities, working schedules, and growth opportunities with our 2 locations. Some positions include cheese production positions helping to create award winning cheese, CDL drivers working closely with our farmers, and retail store clerks making someone’s day better on a every shift! Join a successful 'farm to fork' cooperative where your contributions make a difference and there is always an opportunity for growth and advancement!

If this sounds like a team and company you’d like to be a part of, please review these opportunities below and along with the information on how to apply.

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:

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, work well with little direction and work in hot, humid, damp work environment. 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!

Shred Operator-2nd Shift

Shredded cheese goes on and into a variety of different foods, and Burnett Dairy is proud to manufacture a variety of shredded cheese. The Shred Operator is responsible for pulling cheese for production, operating the shred machinery, pulling bags of cheese off conveyor, cleaning and sanitizing all machinery/tools/shred room, and recordkeeping. Steady standing, lifting, and stretching are required. Must be able to work as part of a team in a changing work environment. This is a 2nd shift opportunity working Mon-Fri, and Saturdays as scheduled. This shift starts at 3 pm and end times may vary based on production orders. Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds, frequent standing, lifting and stretching, frequent repetitive motion of hands, the ability to work well in a fast-paced, team work environment.

Intake Operator

This beginning of the cheesemaking process starts with this position. The Intake Operator performs all duties that involve the shipping and receiving of milk and whey products and bi-products. Responsibilities for this position includes performing analytical testing of milk and whey to determine quality, communicating issues and problems with incoming and outgoing raw materials, and follow all specified processes and procedures as outlined within all GMP, SOP's and SSOP's. Physical requirements and working conditions include: frequently standing for 12 hrs, lifting 10-20 lbs. repetitively (up to 50 lbs. occasionally), frequently able to bend, stoop, reach above shoulders, kneel, balance, crouch, push, and pull, must be able to work in a hot, humid, damp work environment, and occasionally climb ladders up to 25 to 30 feet in the air. Required skills for this position include: strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work without direct supervision, strong multi-tasking skills, the ability to take pride in your work and present yourself in a professional manner to the milk haulers you will be frequently communicating with. This position works 8a-8p on a rotational schedule of 2 days on 2 days off, 3 days on 2 days off (which includes every other weekend off).

Skilled/Technical Opportunities

Production Supervisor-Makeroom (AM)

Our makeroom department currently has a supervisory position 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. 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.

Master Operator-AM 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 packaging departments of the cheese production facility. This position is trained to do all the responsibilities of the String Operator, String Lead, Loaf Pack Operator, Loaf Pack Lead, Shred Operator, and Shred Lead. 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 as well as a cold climate. 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. The Master 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).

Retail Opportunities

Bistro Clerks (Full & Part-time)

Burnett Dairy Cooperative is currently hiring Bistro Clerks. The right candidates for these positions are prompt, efficient, courteous, and above all have excellent customer service skills. Job duties include: greeting customers, completing transactions in a courteous manner and preparing sandwiches, pizzas, and cheese trays for customers. This job requires steady standing and some lifting when stocking the bistro and cooler areas. All candidates must be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment. These are rotational schedules, so candidates will need to be available between the hours of 7:30 am-5:30 pm days, evenings, weekends and holidays as scheduled. These positions pay $12 per hour, plus employee discounts! If you're passionate about food and enjoy working with customers and co-workers, then APPLY TODAY!

Cheese Store Holiday Crew

Although it's still summer, we're prepping for the 2023 holiday season and need your help! Want to make extra money this holiday season?!? Then join Burnett Dairy's Cheese Store Holiday Crew! We are looking for temporary employees to assist with assembling holiday orders for our cheese store and e-commerce site from 10/1/2023-1/6/2024. Job responsibilities include: weighing and pricing cheese, packing orders to be shipped, processing credit/check payments, assembling gift boxes and stocking shelves. The schedule for these positions are Sun-Thurs, 12-8 pm and you will receive $14.00 per hour, an ‘end of the season’ retention bonus,* along with an employee discount through the holiday season. Cheese apply today for this GRATE (get it???) position!

*Retention bonus terms and conditions apply.

General Store Clerk

The General Store Clerk supports the operation of Burnett Dairy Cooperative's General Store by handling all customer transactions in a courteous manner, keeping the shelves and coolers well stocked, the store area clean and organized, and assist customers with filling various sized propane tanks (up to 100 lbs). Must be able to work as part of a team in an active work environment and be available to work a rotational schedule between the hours of 7:00 am-5:30 pm days, evenings, weekends and holidays as scheduled. We're looking for candidates that have strong attention to detail, a positive attitude to interface with customers, both in person and by telephone, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. This job requires constant standing for entire shift, lifting/carrying up to 60 lbs., occasionally required to climb ladders, and frequent bending, reaching, kneeling and crouching. All applicants must be 18 yrs or older to apply.

Agronomy and Co-op Opportunities

Seasonal Opportunity (Grain Department)

Our grain department is looking for 2 seasonal employees to help support the fall grain season. These seasonal positions will be starting in September and end right before Christmas. The working days will fluctuate, but the working hours will be from 7a-7p or 8a-8p. Job duties include: cleaning, organizing, and maintaining assigned areas, moving stock and materials, assisting customers as needed, and other assigned tasks. Applicants should be able to function independently in an active and demanding work environment, occasionally lift, push, pull and stack up to 60 lbs., occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch, and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Other required skills include: strong written and verbal communication skills, be detail oriented with excellent organizational skills, and able to multitask and prioritize projects. This is a great opportunity for someone that enjoys doing a variety of different tasks.

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

Quality Assurance Manager

Food Safety and Quality are one of the highest priorities for our company. The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for establishing a quality assurance system and team that promotes customer satisfaction and positively impacts the financial performances of BDC. He/she serves as the primary quality resource to assure process control, HACCP management, GMP, problem identification, resolution, loss reporting and continuous improvement. Oversees the management of the Laboratory and Quality Department, assuring compliance with State and Federal regulatory requirements. The Quality Assurance Manager 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 Quality Assurance Manager shall have a scientific base of knowledge, and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels within our company.

Education/Experience

Minimum 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing / dairy environment
Minimum 5 years’ experience in management or supervisory role
Minimum B.S Degree in Food Science or related field

Certification/License

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Practitioner Certification
HACCP certification
Certified Industry Supervisor for milk antibiotic testing
Water System Operator

Warehouse Associate

The Warehouse Assistant carries out day-to-day routine work in support of warehouse needs; down pile cheese pallets, prep customer orders for pickup, and load trucks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Follows standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices; FIFO. Operates dock equipment in accordance with established standards and guidelines
Sets up and operates warehouse equipment in accordance with established standards and guidelines; Forklift, pallet jacks, and wrapper
Inspects product for non-conformities and reports any deviations to Supervisor
Documents Shipping and Receiving activity on all necessary forms
Prepares paperwork for customer pick-up
Maintains a clean work area and performs other sanitation tasks as assigned

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent
Shipping/receiving experience preferred
One-year Forklift experience

Physical Demands

Ability to work in a refrigerated warehouse
Physical ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 70 pounds
Occasionally required to bend, stoop, reach above shoulders, kneel, balance, and crouch
Repetitive motion; frequent use of hands
Frequent use of computers

Industrial Maintenance Technician

The Industrial 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform highly diversified duties to install and maintain production machines and the plant facility’s equipment.
Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of production equipment prior to and throughout production.
Perform regular preventive maintenance on machines, equipment and plant facilities.
Perform simple machinist duties and responsibilities.
Perform mechanic skills including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, troubleshooting and repair of production machines.
Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test and make adjustments.
Perform a variety of basic plumbing, maintenance and carpentry functions.
Adapts productively to change, demonstrates flexibility in approach to work, performs all duties as assigned, and complies with all safe work practices.
Follow all good manufacturing practices for a sanitary food manufacturing facility.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Physical Demands:

While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and climbing throughout the day.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move items of 50 pounds and occasionally over 75 pounds with assistance.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Availability:

2-2-3, 12 hour shift
3rd shift; Overtime and alternate days maybe required based on workload.

Apply Today:

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Employment Application

Solicitud de empleo de Burnett Dairy Cooperative

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.