Lab Tech - Flex

MDVA•Newport News, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Applies principles of microbiology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and economics to monitor methods of production, preservation, and utilization of milk and other dairy products. Perform standardized tests to determine quantity or quality of branded products to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards.

Requirements

High school diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or International Education Equivalent .
At least an associate degree or B.S. in Food or Biological Sciences or a minimum of two years’ experience in a QA/QC position is required.
Working knowledge of PC based systems; expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
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.
Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise. Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.
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.
Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats. Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance. Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a food, chemical, or agricultural manufacturing facility preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct testing to determine causes for contamination in finished product that directly affect quality, shelf life, flavor and color.
Conduct testing to determine the quality of incoming ingredients, including raw milk and ingredients for formulated products.
Conduct testing as outlined in Standard Methods for the Examination of Milk Products for: butterfat (using Babcock method and FOSS FT-120), total solids (using CEM solids tester and FOSS FT-120), direct microscopic counts, antibiotic content (using Charm ROSA method), sediment testing, standard plate counts (using 3-M Petrifilm and Easy Gel Plates), total coliform counts (using 3-M Petrifilm), yeast and mold counts (using 3- M Petrifilm and Easy Gel Plates), homogenization efficiency (using Gaulin EQA analyzer), pasteurization efficiency (using Charm LumT), titratable acidity on raw milk, cream, recycle milk products.
Perform weight checks on product by checking weighing all incoming samples.
Perform volumetric determination of container fills.
Perform chemical concentration checks on central sanitizer system, on foot spray systems, on CIP cleaners and sanitizers as needed.
Conduct water quality testing of chilled water systems through the use of pH monitoring and coliform testing.
Conduct environmental testing in the production areas using ATP swabs (to determine gross contamination), SPOT Check swabs (to determine the presence of milk as an allergen), sponging for the presence/absence of Listeria monocytogenes, and air plates.
Perform organoleptic testing on raw milk, finished bottled product, shelf-life samples at 7-days, at code date and at 4 days past code date (milks only).
Perform viscosities using Zahn cups on ice cream mixes, eggnog, buttermilk, and chocolate milk before packaging, and on packaged products.
Aid in investigating customer complaints and work with sales to determine causes of product failures in the marketplace.
Validate test results through the use of controls and standards in the operation of laboratory equipment.
Communicate problems to appropriate plant supervisory personnel in a timely way
Calibrate thermometers plant-wide using approved laboratory methods.
Perform split samples with the Virginia Dept. of Health.
Become certified and maintain certification for antibiotic testing through biennial on-site evaluation by the state LEO (Laboratory Evaluation Officer) and annual split sampling program.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
All associates are responsible for restocking disposable items and making supplies as needed without prompting from others.
Aid in maintaining company environmental storm water policy.
Ability to work independently as well as maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels of the organization (both inside and outside the company).