Lab Technician

Shift: This position provides vacation relief for all lab shifts and day-off relief.  Typical schedule (when not covering vacations) is: 2 days at 3AM and 3 days at 7AM, rotating days off.

Rotating Days Off

General Purpose:

Performs laboratory tests (chemical, physical, organoleptic, and microbiological) according to prescribed standards on in-process and finished food products and ingredients in a food production laboratory. Makes decisions (based on test results) for compliance to specifications, when additional evaluations are necessary, and when products cannot ship to customers. Conducts quality assurance inspections as needed; Works closely with production staff to ensure quality and food safety during manufacturing. This position provides vacation relief for all lab shifts and day-off relief in the laboratory department.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment such as dairy analyzer, NIR analyzer, microwave, pH meter, chloride analyzer, scales, autoclave, thermometers, etc. and perform simple repairs as needed
• Test and evaluate In-Process and Finished products utilizing lab equipment and perform organoleptic evaluations
• Test and evaluate Finished cheese products for body, texture, organoleptic, and performance characteristics over the shelf life of the product, including pizza melt tests
• Evaluate ingredients, product, and packaging compliance to internal and customer specifications, determining acceptability
• Collect various samples from different locations and environments throughout the plant, following aseptic sampling techniques
• Prepare samples for micro testing, interpret and report results
• Prepare samples for testing by third-party laboratories, complete required forms or utilize a LIM system, and packing samples for shipment.
• Accurately and promptly record test results on standardized forms, computer database, SAP, or LIM systems. Release batches and complete other transactions within these systems
• Work with the plant "Hold and Release" program to ensure potential issues are identified and products are held pending further evaluations
• Communicate test results to production staff and assist in developing and documenting corrective actions
• Alert management staff to issues that require immediate action, utilizing authority to halt production activities for Food Safety related issues when necessary
• Conduct inspections of the production and packaging areas and assist department supervisors in monitoring Food Safety, Quality, and GMP compliance
• Monitor sanitation, inspect equipment and take swabs to determine that cleaning methods are effective
• Act as the first point of contact, answering the phones in a professional manner

• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and comply with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
• Attend required training and participate in company programs supporting Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Pay

• Competitive pay - $24.42 to 28.45 per hour based on experience
• Rate includes $1.00 shift differential for hours worked between 6 PM and 6 AM
• Paid Overtime

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k Employer Match
• Life Insurance – Company Paid
• AD&D, STD and LTD - Company Paid
• 144 hours of Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred:  have an A.A. degree or equivalent course work or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in an analytical laboratory (food manufacturing lab preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have basic math skills
• Must be able to follow written and verbal directions
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and work independently
• Must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must have effective verbal and written English language communication skills
• Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to work with Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
• Must be able to learn required SAP transactions within agreed upon time frame and execute successfully

An Equal Opportunity Employer