Lab Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary 
 This position is responsible for the collection of dairy product and environmental samples, aseptic sample handling and highly diversified analytical testing. Employees will remain a job grade 4 until able to perform all of the below essential functions independent of supervision. Maintains and performs testing according to A2LA standards. Understands industry’s best practices and ensures accurate results to support the achievement of the company’s vision, mission and values. 

Essential Functions

• Performs analytical testing and sensory analysis on dry products, AMF and cheese according to SOPs, customer specifications, and A2LA in specified time requirements.

• Identify trends in results and troubleshoot any out of spec result to ensure testing is correct.
• Startup, operate, troubleshoot, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.

• Assist in maintaining product retention samples.

• Responsible for the collection, cleaning and preparation of sample jars used for aseptic, in-line collection. 
• Adheres to aseptic handling and preparation of all lab samples.
• Prepare and ship samples for outside testing.
• Collect environmental samples throughout the facility.
• Perform occasional basic micro testing according to SOP using Petrifilm and traditional plating techniques.
• Safely handle, prepare and use reagents, chemicals, and reference materials.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency and integrity of all test results.
• Ensure that daily records are kept and maintained in accordance with A2LA standards.

• Actively participates in periodic laboratory trainings. 
• Actively participates and accurately completes assigned proficiency testing.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.

• Adhere to all current GMPs and performs all work in a manner that ensures the highest standard of food safety and quality.
• Specialized tasks may include raw milk testing, cheese grading and plugging, Appendix N participation, and Kjeldahl operation.

Competencies

1. Problem Solving/Analysis
2. Honest
3. Dependable 
4. Strong Communication Skills
5. Teamwork
6. Innovative
7. Encouraging/Motivating
8. Computer Skills
9. Adaptable
10. Time Management/Initiative
11. Attentive to detail
12. Trainable 

Supervisory Responsibility
 This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
 This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands
 Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
 This is a full-time position. This position works up to a twelve-hour shift following an alternating schedule which includes weekends and holidays. 

Travel
 Less than five percent travel expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications

High school diploma/GED. Proficiency in basic computer skills.

Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or two years of lab experience in food processing facility. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
 None. 

Other Duties
 Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.