Hilmar Cheese is extending the roots of its operation into Turlock, looking to grow its production personnel and provide employment opportunities for Valley workers.

On Tuesday the company will be hosting a hiring fair at the War Memorial to allow those interested in working at the new milk processing plant, which will be built in Turlock in the upcoming months, to apply for jobs.

“We are a growing company and preparing for the new Turlock facility,” said Director of Human Resources Lisa Smith. “This is a different type of employment fair.  We will be providing qualified candidates, who pass testing and the interviews, with contingent offers of employment before they leave the event.”

Mayor John Lazar’s vision for Turlock as the “Silicon Valley of Food Processing” is dependent upon not only attracting new facilities to the community but also employing individuals to run the sites. The addition of the Hilmar Cheese dry milk powder processing plant to the town’s industrial landscape not only strengthens the company but the town as well by bringing jobs to the area. Currently the business of 30 years employs more than 860 individuals at the Hilmar location and is looking to hire more entry level production employees and production supervisors at the new site, as well as the established Hilmar facility.

The positions work 12-hour rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees are directly involved in making cheese and whey products. Job duties also include operating production equipment, monitoring controls and maintaining Hilmar Cheese Company’s high standards for food safety and quality.

“We look for people who are mechanically inclined, have the ability to follow processes to perform operations, and who enjoy working in a team environment,” said Smith. “We have a wonderful group of employees and look forward to adding more employees to our dynamic team.”

Those interested in participating in the Hilmar Cheese production employee hiring fair should bring a completed application to the event along with their driver’s license or valid identification and Social Security number. Applications are available on the company’s website at www.hilmarcheese.com.

The hiring fair will take place on Tuesday at the War Memorial in Turlock located at 247 East Canal Drive. Sessions begin promptly at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.