Vinegar Processor Operator

About Mizkan America

Mizkan America, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a part of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for more than 220 years. We're one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the U.S., with manufacturing facilities across the country serving retail, foodservice, and food ingredient customers. Our portfolio covers Meal Solutions, Flavor Enhancers and Inspired Mixology. It includes trusted brands such as RAGÚ®, BERTOLLI®, BORN SIMPLE®, HOLLAND HOUSE®, NAKANO®, MIZKAN® and ZING ZANG®, and we're the exclusive North American importer and distributor of ANGOSTURA®.

Why Join Mizkan America?

We combine the resources and brand power of a major food company with the speed and agility of a smaller company. That means fewer layers, faster decisions and real ownership of work you can see on store shelves. Two principles guide everything we do: offer customers only the finest products and continuously challenge the status quo. We're investing in what's next, including tools and training to use AI responsibly so it strengthens human judgment rather than replacing it. Whether you work in operations, innovation, commercial or a corporate function, your work makes an impact, and we're invested in your growth.

Position Overview

Location: Green Bay, WI

Job Title: Vin Processor Operator I

Department: Production

Work Status: On-site

Reports To: Plant Manager

Salary Range: $17.85 - $26.77

Pay Frequency & FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Job Grade: C

The Vinegar Processor Operator I is responsible for producing, transferring, monitoring, and handling vinegar products and liquid blends in a safe and sanitary manufacturing environment. This role supports production schedules by operating processing equipment, monitoring fermentation and processing systems, performing quality checks, and maintaining compliance with safety, quality, and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Review production schedules and production requirements to determine product types and quantities to be produced.
• Support startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown of vinegar production processes and equipment.
• Prepare equipment and materials required for production activities.
• Conduct routine inspections of tanks, pumps, meters, valves, piping systems, motors, cooling towers, wastewater systems, and related processing equipment.
• Monitor processing operations and make adjustments necessary to maintain required operating conditions.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and notify appropriate personnel when corrective action is required.
• Support laboratory testing activities and accurately document process results.
• Develop working knowledge of acetator, fermentation, filtration, and vinegar processing systems.
• Receive raw materials and assist with unloading and loading bulk liquid shipments.
• Complete production reports, inventory documentation, and certificates of analysis.
• Monitor raw material and finished goods inventories and participate in inventory counts.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation activities for tanks, equipment, containers, utensils, and work areas.
• Flush, clean, and maintain processing systems as required.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and maintain clean, organized, and safe work environments.
• Support food quality and food safety programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Forklift certification preferred.
• One year of experience in food processing, bottling, liquid manufacturing, blending, packaging, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to operate and learn processing equipment, laboratory instruments, forklifts, and material handling equipment.
• Basic mathematics skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division calculations.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn manufacturing systems and software applications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with employees at all levels of the organization.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, twist, push, pull, ascend/descend, and perform repetitive physical activities throughout the workday.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively.
• Adequate sight to operate equipment, laboratory instruments, forklifts, and material handling equipment.
• Ability to move throughout office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds or more independently with assistance.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with exposure to heat, cold, fumes, dust, odors, chemicals, and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work around tanks, pumps, production equipment, and processing systems.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, hair restraints, and steel-toed footwear as required.
• Ability to work overtime, on-call assignments, and temporary shift changes as business needs require.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: The hourly pay range for this position is $17.85 - $26.77 per hour. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, market data, and geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Bonus: This position is eligible for plant performance bonus opportunities based on quarterly results.

Benefits: Mizkan America offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, wellness programs, health and flexible spending accounts, education assistance, employee assistance programs, and employee referral bonuses.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Mizkan America, Inc. is unable to provide or assume sponsorship for an employment visa now or in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Mizkan America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and business needs. Mizkan America, Inc. does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process should contact [email protected].

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