Night Lab Technician

General Purpose:

Support Bruce's quality program activities, perform laboratory analyses with documentation, and manage laboratory areas and equipment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Responsibilities:

• Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients, in-process, and finished products
• Complete laboratory testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending
• Report non-compliant laboratory test results to the QA Manager (Quality Supervisor)
• 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
• Performing preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks
• Wash lab/production utensils and glassware
• Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents
• Prepare and stock reagents and media
• Perform inventory control management of laboratory supplies
• Documentation Control - Record Retention - Sample Retention
• Prepare samples and documentation for shipment to external labs
• Perform equipment and environmental inspections as required to maintain facility sanitation programs

Quality Program Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and laboratory operation.
• Aseptically complete environmental surveillance sampling for Salmonella and Listeria per Corporate QA programs. Manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.
• Complete air and water monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.
• Organize and perform data entry into computer systems
• Support the facility's Food Safety Plan and Food Defense Plan
• Perform limited maintenance as defined per the MSS or as required, including but not limited to inspection, cleaning, and entering maintenance work requests into the SAP system
• Assist in the training and development of new lab technicians
• Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly at designated intervals
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and common areas
• Anticipate problems, implement solutions, and look for continuous improvement/process improvement opportunities
• Safeguard and protect all company assets and proprietary information
• Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives. Make decisions in a timely manner
• Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with peers and employees from all other departments
• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive
• Follow all Dairy Farmers of America procedures and practices: Safety, Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)
• 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
• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity
• Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Food Safety, 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.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two year applied science degree in food science, dairy science, or applied discipline preferred
• 1 year food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically SAP
• Skill in proficient computer usage
• Able to perform basic quality testing as necessary, including but not limited to, TA, pH, sensory testing, salt %, and fat %
• Able to understand all plant processes to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise
• Able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once
• Able to use and understand mathematical calculations
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to be proactive in seeking solutions
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to follow directions and meet deadlines
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities
• Able to use direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required
• Able to carry out instructions and effectively manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• Able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer