Lab Tech

Shift: 3rd

Hours: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Pay Rate: $29.50

Why You Will Love Working At Maola

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products.
• As a union member, you'll have access to comprehensive benefits and a pension plan provided through the union.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.
  
  

Summary

Follows procedure, protocol, and policy to perform standardized tests to determine quantity or food safety and quality of products to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards. Follows good laboratory and manufacturing practices to ensure quality of work and reliability of performance.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates basic laboratory equipment, such as pH meter, auto-pipetters, FTIR, Charm Units, 3M Petrifilm, incubator.
• Collects, prepares, and processes in-process and product samples for testing following standard procedures and protocols based on Standard Methods for the Examination of Milk Products, but not limited to:
• Antibiotic content
• Butterfat
• Total solids
• Homogenization efficiency
• Organoleptic testing for all milks from raw though shelf-life and end of code samples
• Sediment testing
• Viscosity
• Titratable acidity on raw milk, cream, recycle milk products.
• Pasteurization efficiency
• Charm swab units
• Direct microscopic counts
• Standard plate counts
• Total coliform counts
• Yeast and mold counts
• Other basic laboratory testing as required to support milk operations
• Conducts routine tests, measurements, and or non-routine testing per procedure and guidance:
• Temperature, weight, and volume checks
• Chemical concentration checks on various cleaning systems
• Water Quality Testing
• Environmental Testing (ATP Swabs)
• Allergen Testing (Allergen Swabs)
• Pre-Operation inspections on equipment and storage tanks
• Records and organizes data accurately in lab notebooks and/or digital systems.
• Escalates out-of-compliance results as defined or guided.
• Ensures compliance with laboratory procedures and policies.
• Become certified and maintains certification for antibiotic testing through biennial on-site evaluation by the state LEO (Laboratory Evaluation Officer).
• Performance competency is measured and approved by LEO split sampling program.
• Performance competency meets internal split sample competency testing.
• Maintains lab cleanliness, sterilize equipment, and management of supply inventory.
• Performs routine housekeeping of laboratory countertops, refrigeration units, cabinets, laboratory office area, etc.
• Calibration of laboratory equipment and operations equipment as defined.
• Follow safety protocols (OSHA, etc.) and always wears required PPE in facility.
• Perform site-wide GMP audits as assigned.
• Performs and stays current with all required Alchemy and in-person training.
• Assists with experiments, research tasks, troubleshooting task, as requested.
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of customer and consumer complaints.
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of operational non-conformances.
• Communicates and escalates non-conformances or issues as required in a timely manner.
• Generates Certificate of Analysis or Certificate of Conformance as required per procedures.
  
  

Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of an Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field, or at least two years’ experience in a Lab/QA position working in a food, chemical, or agricultural manufacturing facility. Dairy facility preferred.
• Basic lab techniques, working knowledge of PC based systems (Excel, Word, email, etc.), data entry, and familiarity with laboratory safety standards.
  
  

Competencies

• Communication
• Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.
• Customer Focused
• Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
• Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
• Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
• Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem-Solving
• Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
• Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.
• Collaboration
• Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
• Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person’s contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.
  

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. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.
• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.
  
  

Maola Local Dairies is a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products. Maola processes milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.