Lab Tech

SHIFT:  1st Shift

Schedule hours: 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM on an alternating 4-day work week, willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Maola Local Dairies®is a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products.  Maola processes milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com.

Why you will love working at Maola® :

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Conduct testing to determine causes for contamination in finished products that directly affect quality, shelf life, flavor, and color.
• Conduct testing to determine the quality of raw milk and ingredients for formulated products.
• Conduct testing as outlined in standard methods for examining milk products for butterfat, total solids, and other attributes.
• Perform weight checks on incoming samples.
• Perform volumetric determination of container fills.
• Perform chemical concentration checks on central sanitizer system, on foot spray systems, on CIP cleaners and sanitizers as needed.
• Conduct environmental testing in the production areas using ATP swabs.
• Perform organoleptic testing on finished product.
• Perform viscosities using Zahn cups on ice cream mixes, buttermilk, and chocolate milk before packaging, and on packaged products.
• Validate test results through the use of controls and standards in the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Become certified and maintain certification for antibiotic testing through biennial on-site evaluation by the state LEO (Laboratory Evaluation Officer) and annual split sampling program.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment. 
• All associates are responsible for restocking disposable items and making supplies as needed without prompting from others.
• Other duties may be assigned. 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate Degree or B.S. in Food or Biological Sciences or a minimum of two years’ experience in a QA/QC position working in a food, chemical, or agricultural manufacturing facility preferred.

COMPETENCIES 

Communication  

• Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.

Accountability  

• Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur. 

Customer Focused  

• Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
• Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.

Initiative  

• Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
• Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.

Problem-Solving  

• Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
• Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions. 

Collaboration  

• Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
• Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person’s contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision for computer work and ability to adjust focus.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.  

• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high.  Wet/slippery work conditions. 

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.