Lab Tech

MDVA•Newport News, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position applies principles of microbiology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and economics to monitor methods of production, preservation, and utilization of milk and other dairy products. The Lab Tech performs standardized tests to determine the quantity or quality of branded products to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
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.

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.