Production Associate - 1st shift - Shred

Job Title: Production Associate – 1st shift

Function: Production – Shred        

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: Whitehall West

Position Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 4 pm, overtime as required

Hourly Rate:  $20.50

_____________________________________________________________________

 

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

 

Are you a Production Associate looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

 

Ornua is actively seeking a production associate to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in maintaining plant efficiency and product quality. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by customers around the world.

 

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• The shred line general laborer rotates throughout the shred line.  
• The job includes unwrapping boxes of cheese to be shredded, cubing the cheese through a cubing harp, adding rework back into the line, inspecting and boxing cheese, palletizing cheese, and taking garbage to the dumpster. 
• He/she cleans the area as needed. 
• From time to time, you may be required to work other shifts or be temporarily moved to other departments in the plant. 

 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

• Package finished product including box making, filling, closing, and palletizing. 
• Inspect cheese products, packing and boxes for damage, report deficiencies to proper parties.   
• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.  
• Perform all tasks in a busy environment with limited supervision.  

• Record production information on a tablet, computer or by hand.  
• Attend all required company training. 
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.  
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements. 

 

 Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to communicate in English

 

Desired Qualifications

• Solid work history
• Prior food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing for 10 consecutive hours, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

 

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families