Lab Tech - 2nd Shift

MDVA • Newport News, VA

23h

About The Position

The Lab Tech monitors the production, preservation, and utilization of milk and other dairy products, applying principles of microbiology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and economics. The role performs standardized tests to determine product quantity and quality and ensure compliance with company and government standards. It also tests incoming ingredients and finished products, validates laboratory results, supports investigations into product failures and customer complaints, and communicates issues to plant supervisory personnel. The position requires maintaining a clean and safe work environment and supporting the company’s environmental storm water policy.

This is a second-shift position, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The employee must be able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays. Pay is $25.50 per hour. Retention bonuses of $1,000 after 90 days and $2,500 after six months are offered, subject to eligibility and terms.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or international education equivalent.
• At least an associate degree or bachelor's degree in Food or Biological Sciences, or a minimum of two years of experience in a QA/QC position.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the role, including standing for up to seven hours and lifting up to 36 pounds maximum or 10 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a food, chemical, or agricultural manufacturing facility.
• Working knowledge of PC-based systems.
• Expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Test finished products to identify causes of contamination affecting quality, shelf life, flavor, and color.
• Test incoming ingredients, including raw milk and ingredients used in formulated products.
• Conduct tests using standard methods for milk products, including butterfat, total solids, direct microscopic counts, antibiotic content, sediment, standard plate counts, coliform counts, yeast and mold counts, homogenization efficiency, pasteurization efficiency, and titratable acidity.
• Perform product weight checks and determine container fill volumes.
• Check chemical concentrations in central sanitizer systems, foot spray systems, and CIP cleaners and sanitizers as needed.
• Test chilled-water systems for quality using pH monitoring and coliform testing.
• Conduct production-area environmental testing using ATP swabs, allergen swabs, Listeria sponging, and air plates.
• Perform organoleptic testing on raw milk, finished bottled products, and shelf-life samples at specified intervals.
• Measure viscosity of specified products before packaging and in packaged products.
• Assist with customer-complaint investigations and work with sales to identify causes of product failures in the marketplace.
• Validate test results using controls and standards in laboratory equipment operation.
• Communicate problems promptly to appropriate plant supervisory personnel.
• Calibrate plant-wide thermometers using approved laboratory methods.
• Perform split samples with the Virginia Department of Health.
• Obtain and maintain certification for antibiotic testing through biennial state LEO on-site evaluation and an annual split-sampling program.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and restock disposable items and supplies as needed.
• Help maintain the company environmental storm water policy.
• Work independently and maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels inside and outside the company.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retention bonuses of $1,000 after 90 days and $2,500 after six months, subject to eligibility and terms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree