Lab Tech

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

SUMMARY: Testing of raw materials, work in process and finished goods.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Microbiological, chemical and physical testing of raw materials, work in process and finished goods.

Document all testing and results done daily.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Preferred but not required, Associates degree in Chemistry or Biology or 4 years pervious lab experience. Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and SPC Plating.

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following licenses with the New York State Department of Agriculture: Direct Microscopic Count, Drug Residue (Charm SL) and Milk Receiver.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret test results, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to fill out routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively and convey information to other employees.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

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.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, bend at the waist, turn, stoop, balance, reach with hands and arms above shoulder height, talk and hear, taste and smell.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 55 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Must be able to use basic laboratory equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical equipment and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. May have to work with or be exposed to chemicals containing sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid requiring personal protective equipment, per Company regulations.  Worker will be exposed to cold temperatures below 40 degrees F.                

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Hearing protection is required in designated areas.

WORK SCHEDULES

The workweek could vary. Shift work, weekend work and Holidays may be required.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Working safely, following all Company policies and complying with all Federal, State and County regulations is a condition of employment.

Pay: $27.32/hr.*

*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA.  The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.  

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.