Day Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America•Garden City, KS

3h•Onsite

About The Position

General Purpose: Assist the Quality Manager to assure product quality by supporting the monitoring, observing, and testing process. Promote best practices and a discipline to standard work. Work closely and in partnership with quality and the production team to build one-team with one purpose. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Follow all DFA Good manufacturing procedures (GMP’S) and work in a manner consistent with all the corporate and regulatory food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations Ensure all policies and procedures for the Safe Quality Food initiative, Organic food, FDA, USDA, KSA, and GMA SAFE are followed Maintain environmental swab sampling to ensure plant cleanliness Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards Notify plant supervision and management in any out of range value or variation from accepted norms in operation or product quality Maintain individual state and/or federal licenses Perform preventative maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks Continuously look for continuous improvement and process improvement Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and laboratory Monitor laboratory operations, documenting and correcting discrepancies identified in technician performance Document laboratory values as required in plant records Manage sample retention and laboratory inventory levels Perform all other duties deemed appropriate, necessary, required, or directed by the Quality Assurance Manager and Plant Manager Safeguard and protect all company assets Make decisions in a timely manner Anticipate problems and implement solutions Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, vendor, and employee information Use skills and talent to contribute to organizational success Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees, and peers Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation 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.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Knowledge of and skill with company computer systems
Must be able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
Ability to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
Able to work well with all types of people
Able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to promote a positive, creative, and professionally pleasant work environment
Able and willing to engage in continuous improvement
Able to adapt to changing situations and willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned
Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Two-year Applied Science Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology preferred
1 year of experience in a food laboratory preferred
Certification and/or License – Kansas Department of Agriculture Sampler Certification Certified Industry Analyst certification for PMO Appendix-N testing of Drug Residue in Milk

Responsibilities

Follow all DFA Good manufacturing procedures (GMP’S) and work in a manner consistent with all the corporate and regulatory food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations
Ensure all policies and procedures for the Safe Quality Food initiative, Organic food, FDA, USDA, KSA, and GMA SAFE are followed
Maintain environmental swab sampling to ensure plant cleanliness
Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed
Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
Notify plant supervision and management in any out of range value or variation from accepted norms in operation or product quality
Maintain individual state and/or federal licenses
Perform preventative maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks
Continuously look for continuous improvement and process improvement
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and laboratory
Monitor laboratory operations, documenting and correcting discrepancies identified in technician performance
Document laboratory values as required in plant records
Manage sample retention and laboratory inventory levels
Perform all other duties deemed appropriate, necessary, required, or directed by the Quality Assurance Manager and Plant Manager
Safeguard and protect all company assets
Make decisions in a timely manner
Anticipate problems and implement solutions
Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, vendor, and employee information
Use skills and talent to contribute to organizational success
Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees, and peers
Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation