How to hire a pasteurizing machine operator

How to hire a pasteurizing machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pasteurizing machine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a pasteurizing machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pasteurizing machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The pasteurizing machine operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect pasteurizing machine operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of pasteurizing machine operators.

   Type of Pasteurizing Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Pasteurizing Machine Operator		$12-24
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Machine Operator	Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output... Show more	$12-19

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • GMP
   • HACCP
   • Product Flow
   • USDA
   • Product Specifications

   Responsibilities:

   • Dump raw materials into the mixers; follow mix sequences to achieve designate temperatures.
   • Recognize for work done in a sterile environment and utilizing correct safety PPE for surrounding work areas/machinery.
   • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your pasteurizing machine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A pasteurizing machine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, pasteurizing machine operators' average salary in wyoming is 55% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pasteurizing machine operators 46% less than senior-level pasteurizing machine operators.
   • Certifications. A pasteurizing machine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a pasteurizing machine operator's salary.

   Average pasteurizing machine operator salary

   $37,261yearly

   $17.91 hourly rate

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   Entry-level pasteurizing machine operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a pasteurizing machine operator job description

   A pasteurizing machine operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a pasteurizing machine operator job description:

   Pasteurizing machine operator job description example

   $600 Retention Bonus Currently Offered due to Business Demand !
   
   Conagra Brand Foods, Vlasic facility, located in Imlay City, Michigan, has opportunities for an afternoon shift Pasteurizer Operator to meet regular production demand. The pasteurizer operator is normally required for full-time hours plus daily/weekend overtime as scheduled. The hourly rate of pay is $17.12/hr., 2nd shift premium of $0.25 = $17.37/hr. This is a full-time opportunity providing eleven (11) paid holidays, 401k with match, employee benefit package and more.
   
   RESPONSIBILITIES:
   The Pasteurizer Operator is responsible to ensure all Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Company and Regulatory standards are met or exceeded. Responsible for properly conducting and documenting verification and monitoring activities of the operation.
   Ensure that all pre-operational monitoring activities, system start-up monitoring activities, in-process monitoring activities are completed in accordance with procedures Ensure that all food safety, quality assurance, and GMP policies and procedures are strictly adhered to during the pasteurizing process In the event food safety or food quality may be compromised during the pasteurizing process, the operator is responsible for communication to the appropriate team members to allow for immediate action to be taken
   
   REQUIREMENTS:
   Understand the operation of the Pasteurizer machine Monitor and maintain equipment Responsible for reporting and taking any necessary action to prevent food safety and food quality problems from occurring Graph, use a thermometer and read a graduated cylinder Completion of required documentation, record keeping and reporting Work independently, but collaborate with other staff to ensure production demands are met Excellent written and verbal communication skills Collect samples Adapt to changing situations and be able to establish priorities Required to provide training, coaching and guidance Must be dependable and self-motivated Work safely and participate in job specific training ensuring actions are consistent with and support plant safety goals and procedures Complete and maintain paperwork in a neat an orderly fashion Follow standard work procedures and good manufacturing practices Work accurately with minimal supervision Practice consistent and reliable attendance Available to work different shifts and overtime including weekend overtime
   
   QUALIFICATIONS:
   Ability to compile, analyze and report data Basic math and computer skills Lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally Ability to push/pull, climb, sit, twist and reach Ability to stand majority of shift, and walk and frequently
   
   Our Benefits:
   
   We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
   Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
   
   Our Company:
   
   Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that's passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye , Marie Callender's , Banquet , Healthy Choice , Slim Jim , Reddi-wip , and Vlasic , and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP , Duke's , Earth Balance , Gardein , and Frontera .
   We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
   
   Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right pasteurizing machine operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with pasteurizing machine operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit pasteurizing machine operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your pasteurizing machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit pasteurizing machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting pasteurizing machine operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new pasteurizing machine operator

   Once you've selected the best pasteurizing machine operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new pasteurizing machine operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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