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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an HTST Operator

💰 $22 - $34 per hour

ManufacturingFood ProductionSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

An HTST Operator is a highly skilled technician at the heart of food and beverage production, responsible for operating and monitoring High-Temperature Short-Time pasteurization equipment. This critical role ensures that products like milk, juice, and other beverages are made safe for consumption by eliminating harmful microorganisms while maintaining product quality, flavor, and nutritional value. You will be the frontline guardian of food safety, meticulously managing process variables, sanitation cycles, and quality checks in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment. Success in this position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, unwavering attention to detail, and a deep commitment to upholding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Line Operator
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Manufacturing Associate

Advancement To:

  • Production Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor
  • Senior Process Operator or Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Blending or Batching Operator
  • Aseptic Filling Machine Operator
  • Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, monitor, and control the High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization system to ensure products are processed according to precise temperature, pressure, and flow rate specifications.
  • Execute full Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Sanitize-In-Place (SIP) procedures on the HTST system, associated tanks, and transfer lines, ensuring all equipment is microbiologically clean before and after production runs.
  • Meticulously document all critical control point data on required forms and in digital systems, including pasteurization temperatures, holding times, flow rates, and any deviations from standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures for the pasteurizer and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner to minimize downtime and product loss.
  • Conduct routine in-process quality checks, such as phosphatase tests, pH readings, and butterfat analysis, to verify that pasteurization is effective and product meets quality standards.
  • Proactively identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical issues, equipment malfunctions, or process deviations, escalating complex problems to the maintenance or supervisory staff promptly.
  • Manage the flow of raw and pasteurized product to and from silos, holding tanks, and fillers, coordinating with upstream and downstream team members to ensure a smooth, continuous production flow.
  • Adhere strictly to all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and company safety protocols to ensure product integrity and a safe work environment.
  • Monitor and manage the legal settings of the pasteurizer, such as the differential pressure and flow diversion valve (FDV) operation, ensuring the system remains in full compliance with PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance) regulations.
  • Operate Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA systems to control process variables, monitor equipment status, and respond to system alarms.
  • Participate in the assembly and disassembly of processing equipment for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance activities.
  • Assist in managing ingredient and processing aid inventories, ensuring the availability of necessary materials like cleaning chemicals for uninterrupted operation.
  • Perform regular inspections of equipment components, including gaskets, seals, and valves, to identify wear and tear and prevent potential contamination or processing failures.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance department during audits, product sampling, and investigation of any quality-related incidents.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area around the HTST system, following 5S principles and master sanitation schedules.
  • Train new or less experienced operators on the safe and effective operation of the pasteurization system and associated quality checks.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on equipment performance and process effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on preventative maintenance tasks and new equipment installation projects.
  • Participate in root cause analysis investigations for any safety, quality, or production-related incidents to help develop effective corrective actions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HTST System Operation: In-depth knowledge of operating and controlling high-temperature short-time pasteurization equipment.
  • Clean-In-Place (CIP) Procedures: Proficiency in executing and verifying automated and manual cleaning and sanitation cycles.
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Strong understanding and consistent application of GMP in a food-grade environment.
  • HACCP & Food Safety: Knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and other food safety principles.
  • Basic Mechanical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve minor equipment issues to minimize downtime.
  • Process Control & HMI/SCADA: Experience using computer-based interfaces to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
    -Quality Control Testing: Skill in performing basic lab tests (e.g., phosphatase, pH, titrations) and interpreting results.
  • Meticulous Record-Keeping: Ability to accurately document process data manually and digitally in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Mathematical Aptitude: Competency in performing calculations related to flow rates, volumes, and concentrations.
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: Understanding and adherence to safety protocols for equipment maintenance.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Extremely focused on precision and accuracy, especially concerning critical control points like time and temperature.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to quickly identify process deviations and implement effective solutions.
  • Sense of Urgency: The ability to work efficiently and decisively in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Communication: Clear and effective communication with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve shared production goals.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing production schedules, priorities, and unexpected challenges.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree, Technical Certificate, or State Pasteurizer License.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Food Science
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing environment, preferably as a machine operator.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of direct, hands-on experience operating HTST, UHT, or other aseptic processing and pasteurization equipment. Experience in a PMO-regulated facility is highly desirable.
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