Lab Technician

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory and associated areas in an orderly and clean manner in accordance to 5S methodology
• Perform sampling of raw milk, in-process, or finished products for analyses
• Chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of in-process and finished products
• Complete lab analytical testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending
• Report non-compliant laboratory analytical testing results to the QA Manager (Plant Manager)
• Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices
• Perform preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks
• Wash lab utensils and glassware
• Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents
• Prepare and stock reagents and media
• Prepare labeling of testing analysis samples to testing laboratories
• Communicate inventory needs (Micro Supplies, Chemical Supplies for receiving lab)
• Maintain and verify accuracy of documents (i.e., Documentation Control - Record Retention- Sample Retention)
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and comply with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Addresses defined and straightforward problems using existing standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrived
• Participate in weekly safety observation program
• Participate in monthly GMP inspection program
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgement
• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety, GLP, and GMP policies and procedures in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements; and report any nonconformity
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements for plant and laboratory operation
• Aseptically complete weekly environmental surveillance sampling for salmonella and listeria per Corporate program
• Submit samples to Merieux Labs for analysis
• Complete weekly food contact sampling via quick-swabs and ATP
• Complete monthly air monitoring sampling and complete documentation for program
• Support Quality Plan Requirements and HACCP Program; assist in the monitoring of CQP’s in facility
• Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, and vendor and employee information
• Be responsible for the attainment of plant goals and objectives
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees and peers
• Works under close supervisor and according to explicit instructions, establishes protocols, and procedures

  Education And Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred

  Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

  • Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment
  • Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
  • Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
  • Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products
  • Able to keep good records (record keeping skill)
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
  • Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others
  • Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions
  • Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English