Dairy Farmers of America

Lab Technician

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Maintain laboratory and associated areas in an orderly and clean manner in accordance to 5S methodology, which is to create a clean orderly environment where there is a place for everything and everything is in its place 

• Perform sampling of raw milk, in-process, or finished products for analyses 

• Perform 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 

• Basic technical skills in analytical/ scientific methods or operational processes to perform straightforward activities 

• 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 compliance 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. 

• 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. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent  

• Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred  

• Certification and/or License – Industry Analysist certification for antibiotic testing required during course of employment. 

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