Lab Technician - Quality

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.•Orrville, OH

7d•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Prairie Farms is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, founded in 1938 by Illinois dairy farmers. It represents over 600 independent family farms and produces a wide range of dairy and food products, including milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. The company is committed to quality, sustainability, and community support, with a goal of returning value to its farmer-owners and operating with integrity.

Requirements

Must currently be qualified in the dairy lab or have equivalent degree or experience
Must be willing and able to complete all duties in a timely manner
Must be able to work independently
Must be able and willing to learn and maintain proficiency in all requirements of this position
Must have good communication and teamwork skills
Must be self-motivated, able to work independently at the required pace and stay busy
Must be able to lift 50lbs on a regular basis
Must be able to maintain the highest sanitation and manufacturing standard

Nice To Haves

Strong math background is recommended

Responsibilities

Will work closely with ice cream & fluid production staff, team leaders and group leaders
Will be responsible for completing microbiological testing of products and ingredients
Will perform daily lab testing on ice cream
Will be responsible for testing products according to customer requirements. Tests include, but not limited to, variegate checks, inclusions checks, weight verification, butterfat, total solids, TA, pH
Will be responsible for collecting and shipping finished product samples for testing
Will maintain product retention program
Will be responsible for performing product evaluations/cuttings on ice cream products
Will be responsible for microbiological plating and analyzing data
Will update product information within the QDA System
Will be responsible for product hold and release program
Will be responsible for environmental monitoring and follow up on corrective actions
Will monitor weight control program
Will report any quality deviations with ingredients, packaging or finished product
Will complete quality work orders
Will report immediately any discrepancies or noncompliance issues as relates to regulatory requirements, customer specifications or Prairie Farms standards
Will be required to help maintain the cleanliness and organization of laboratory testing areas and equipment
Will be required to help establish and maintain ATP program for fillers and equipment and follow up on corrective actions
Will be required to help maintain Allergen testing program and follow up on corrective actions
Will follow all company safety rules and exercise due care in discharging duties
Will be expected to learn and actively participate in activities designed to enhance Prairie Farms lean process to reduce waste throughout the company
Must be willing to cross-train and perform other duties as assigned