Process Worker (Dairy)

Transform nature’s perfect food into a myriad of nutritious products.

Ensure quality and safety at every step, bringing fresh, high-quality dairy to people’s tables.

As a Process Worker in the dairy industry, you’ll be at the heart of transforming raw milk into a variety of dairy products. You’ll operate sophisticated equipment including pasteurisers, homogenisers, separators, and packaging machines. In this role, you will ensure that production runs smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with strict food safety standards. Your understanding of milk chemistry and microbiology will be crucial in maintaining product quality and safety throughout the production process.

In this position, you’ll be involved in various stages of dairy processing. You’ll start by assessing the quality of incoming raw milk, conducting tests for factors such as fat content, acidity, and bacterial count. You’ll operate pasteurisation equipment, carefully monitoring time and temperature to ensure proper treatment of the milk. For products like cheese or yogurt, you’ll be responsible for adding cultures and monitoring the fermentation process. In butter production, you’ll oversee the churning and working processes. Throughout all these processes, you’ll need to maintain strict hygiene standards to prevent contamination.

Furthermore, as a Process Worker in the dairy industry, you’ll play a key role in quality control. You’ll conduct regular checks throughout your shift, sampling products at various stages of production. This might involve sensory evaluations, pH testing, or more complex microbiological analyses. You’ll need to interpret test results quickly and accurately, taking corrective action if any deviations are detected.

You’ll also be responsible for maintaining detailed records of production data, quality checks, and equipment performance. Your attention to detail and commitment to food safety will be essential in ensuring that all dairy products meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.

In this role, you will:

  1. Operate dairy processing equipment
  2. Monitor and control processing parameters
  3. Conduct quality tests on raw milk and finished products
  4. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the production area
  5. Record production data and prepare reports

Generally, this position is an entry level role and often no experience is required. Entry-level qualifications are available for this position, including a Certificate I in Food Processing (FBP1021). In addition, a Certificate II in Food Processing (FBP20122) and a Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121) can be completed as a traineeship. Often these certificates are not mandatory for employment, however. If you have an interest in becoming a food and beverage operator, you can apply directly to an employer. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.

Also Known As:
  • Milk Processing Technician
  • Dairy Production Specialist
  • Dairy Plant Operator
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a process worker (dairy) include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Record keeping
  • Sanitation
  • Technical comprehension
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a process worker (dairy) include:

  • Precision
  • Responsible
  • Adaptable
  • Safety-conscious
  • Quality-focused
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Agricultural Practices
  • Agricultural Science
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Science in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Hospitality Practices
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Process Worker (Dairy) can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$50,000
Median
$60,000
High
$75,000

If you are seeking employment in this role, you can undertake a traineeship. Traineeships are available in certificate II and certificate III-level qualifications:

  • Certificate II in Food Processing (FBP20122)
  • Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121)

A specialisation exists in the certificate III qualification for dairy processing, which may be advantageous.

As a trainee you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific industry while earning a salary.

Duration: Traineeships typically last between 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific program and whether you are working full-time or part-time.

Work and study combination: As a trainee, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Eligibility: Generally, traineeships do not require formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

As a Process Worker (Dairy) you may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Qualifications that may help you advance in your career include:

  • Certificate IV in Food Processing (FBP40321)

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the food and beverage industry

The food and beverage industry is a vibrant and diverse area that plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and culture. From iconic brands to artisanal producers, this industry encompasses a wide range of products that cater to domestic and international markets. With a reputation for high-quality, safe, and innovative food products, our manufacturers are at the forefront of meeting changing consumer preferences and global food trends.

Food and Beverage industry