Evaporator Operator
Date: Sep 22, 2025
Location: Lubbock, TX, US, 79401
Company: Leprino Foods Company
For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking an Evaporator Operator (nights). The Sweet Whey Evaporator Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the Crystallizers and the Evaporator, processes, CIP systems, lab equipment and various control instruments. All other duties as assigned.
This position pays $26 per hour. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay.
Job Duties (Accountability Categories and Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities):
NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.
- Responsible for the safe operation of the Evaporator and Crystallizers, its associated equipment and/or processes
- Maintain the quality of incoming raw materials and the quality of the outgoing products in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safe work practices
- Participate in and implement continuous improvement
- Complete paperwork accurately
- Ability to troubleshoot all equipment and identify potential problems
- Communicate effectively with co-workers, team leads, and supervisors
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or team lead
- Follow sanitation procedures of all equipment at shutdown
- Complete assigned GMP and housekeeping duties and maintain 5S standards as required
- Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct
- Ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies
Minimum Qualifications & Experience:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
- Ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments as necessary
- Basic math skills to be able to perform mathematical functions
- Ability to access elevated work areas such as climbing ladders/stairs
- Ability to understand and apply standard operating procedures
- Ability to maintain clean work area according to good manufacturing processes
- Good communication skills to communicate with co-workers and oncoming/outgoing shifts
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
- One year of work experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in machine operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment are preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities/Competencies:
- Problem solving
- Applied and continuous learning
- Work standards
- Initiating action
- Quality orientation
- Safety awareness
- Working effectively with others
- Communication
- Professional presence
Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:
Work Environment Description:
- Must be able to lift moderate weights repeatedly throughout the shift weighing up to 55lbs
- Required to stand/walk, climb steps or ladders, make pipe connections, lift equipment parts throughout the shift and must have the ability to work in hot, humid, and cold areas
Additional:
This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.
Offering you in return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries, tuition assistance, vacation, holiday, dedicated sick time, matching 401(k), annual merit increases and bonuses, as well as our annual Profit-Sharing plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 65 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to over 4,300 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing. Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com
Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran
Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location
At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Nearest Major Market: Lubbock
Nearest Major Market: Lubbock