As one of the premier food science programs in the nation, we apply the principles of science and engineering to ensure the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods in the United States and around the globe.  Our program integrates the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food.

Our faculty, staff and students are making a difference in the lives of people throughout the world. They are at the forefront of:

Identifying and limiting outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

Developing new food sources and preservation methods to expand the available food supply for a growing world population.

Improving the quality and consumer appeal of products on store shelves.

Developing foods that may someday travel to other planets with astronauts.

As Dairy Plant Support Staff, the Milk Plant Worker (S06) will assist with the production, sanitation, and distribution of food and dairy products, for consumption by the Cornell Community, utilizing equipment and technologies at the Cornell Dairy Plant while strictly adhering to all protocols, rules, regulations, and guidelines for quality, safety and reporting, including those set forth by the USDA, FDA and New York State Ag & Markets. Perform sanitary maintenance functions on dairy processing equipment, as required to meet all local, state and federal guidelines and regulations and internal food safety plan. Assist the management team to maintain HACCP, quality control, equipment maintenance and master sanitation programs. Provide support and services for research, instruction, and extension programs of the Department of Food Science, particularly those related to the processing of dairy products. Assist with the inventory and receiving of raw materials; maintain inventory records as required. Provide direction to undergraduate students, staff and faculty and plant policies, protocols and safety procedures and training on proper equipment usage.  This position will also serve as a floater filling in where needed during vacations and absences or peak production periods as necessary.

This position requires independent action and the ability to work cooperatively with other team members. Work days and work times vary throughout the year. Work hours may vary from 5:30 am to 2:00 pm to 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Work schedule may vary from Monday through Friday and include Saturday and Sunday when deemed necessary. 

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

High School diploma and a minimum of 1-2 year of practical dairy/food manufacturing experience and/or equivalent combination of training and education (college, trade school or food processing work experience) working in dairy processing.  

Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license and be cleared to drive for University business.

Experience working in manual labor position under variety of extreme climate conditions.

Ability to work under extreme temperature conditions (i.e., cooler, freezer).

Must be able to perform continual lifting, including being able lift a minimum of 55 pounds continually throughout the day.

General computer knowledge and data entry procedures.

Ability to work harmoniously with staff, students, faculty and customers.

Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently to accomplish required tasks to achieve departmental objectives.

Must be personable, flexible, and be able to multi-task in a fast paced industrial-type setting.

Possess excellent organizational and communication skills and takes pride in their work. 

Ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide range of coworkers, faculty, and general public.

Must be a self-starter, interested in learning about the operation and maintenance of equipment.

Ability to work overtime when necessary.  

Desire to learn, exhibit an overall positive attitude, and demonstrate professionalism at all times are essential. Ability to foster a respectful work environment. 

Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.

Ability to work to achieve favorable outcomes for the organization and effectively represent the Food Science Department and the University.

Preferred Qualifications

College Degree in an agricultural field.

Experience working in and around a University research setting.    

Prior truck driving experience, including distributing food/dairy products, preferred.

A minimum of one year of experience operating and maintaining food/dairy processing equipment is preferred

Warehouse and order-picking experience.

Inventory management and/or order fulfillment experience.

   

University Job Title:

Milk Plant Worker S06

Job Family:

United Auto Workers

Level:

S06

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Joan Olson

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Unique applicable skills

Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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2025-05-27