Lab Technician - Nights (B Crew)

About the role

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry standards, using basic knowledge of lab set up in order to pull and properly handle samples for chemical, microbiological, retains and shelf life analysis of all dairy products. This position is required to be knowledgeable in basic lab quality control skills and be able to identify quality issues on the lines and report to proper personnel.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.
• Pulling, logging, and running finish product and processing samples for all tests required on each product.
• Pull sample of incoming raw material and packaging to determine acceptability of loads from our suppliers.
• Audit CIP chemical concentrations and ensure compliance to company specifications.
• Prepare media and other lab controls (e.g., pour plates, buffer water, etc.).
• Operate autoclave to sterilize plates and equipment as needed while ensuring sterility tests are accurate.
• Assist in lab equipment PMs such as cleaning the Micro Luminescence Systems weekly with caustic; drain and clean the autoclave bi‑weekly; changing fluid standards and filters on the cryoscopy.
• Inoculate batch tanks with enzyme and vitamins and record usages on the various logs.
• Responsible for the daily cleanup and review of racking systems in the incubators and cooler to set up for shelf life testing.
• Participate in environmental testing in and around plant that includes swabbing, air plating, water sampling, etc.
• Verify that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up.
• Perform various tasks involving the responsibility of the food safety and quality of company products.

Requirements

• BS/BA in related science and/or equivalent job experience in a quality role of a food manufacturing plant.
• Experience in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.
• Physical Requirements: Standing – long periods (minimum 8+ hours); Sitting – occasionally for short periods; Walking – long periods; Bending – frequently; Lifting – light (25‑40 lbs.) frequently; Carrying – light (50‑60 lbs.) frequently.

Skills

• Adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills.
• Work effectively with team members to accomplish department and plant goals.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.45 - $31.08 USD (exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location).