Dairy Plant Operator

This position exists to manufacture, process, package, and distribute safe, high-quality dairy products such as ice cream and cheese while supporting the teaching, research, extension, and outreach missions of the dairy processing plant. Duties ar...

  • 521860
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Animal Sciences & Industry
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing at: Jul 22 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

This position exists to manufacture, process, package, and distribute safe, high-quality dairy products such as ice cream and cheese while supporting the teaching, research, extension, and outreach missions of the dairy processing plant. Duties are assigned by the supervisor to ensure product quality and safety, support research and development activities, assist with educational programming and short courses, and fulfill the objectives of the dairy processing plant.

About Us

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The Dept. of ASI prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries.

The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. Students are given sound professional and scientific skills, a broad education and experience for contributing to our communities across the nation and abroad. Students receive excellent advisement and mentorship from faculty and professional staff and participate in extracurricular activities to develop skills to become industry leaders.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent)
  • One year of relevant experience.
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Dairy Science, Food Science, Animal Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, or dairy research operations
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated computer skills
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience

Additional Role Information:

  • Ability to lift 75 pounds

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Submit K-State online Page Up application
  2. Resume
  3. Letter of Interest
  4. List of names, email addresses and phone numbers for three references

Application Window

Applications close on: July 22, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$16.36 - $24.53 hourly

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.