Lab Technician - Quality

Prairie Farms Dairy•Orrville, OH

9d•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. As a lab technician at Prairie Farms, the ideal candidate will work closely with ice cream & fluid production staff, team leaders and group leaders. This role is responsible for completing microbiological testing of products and ingredients, performing daily lab testing on ice cream, and testing products according to customer requirements. Tests include, but not limited to, variegate checks, inclusions checks, weight verification, butterfat, total solids, TA, pH. The technician will also be responsible for collecting and shipping finished product samples for testing, maintaining the product retention program, performing product evaluations/cuttings on ice cream products, microbiological plating and analyzing data, updating product information within the QDA System, managing the product hold and release program, and performing environmental monitoring and follow-up on corrective actions. Additionally, the role involves monitoring the weight control program, reporting any quality deviations with ingredients, packaging or finished product, completing quality work orders, and immediately reporting any discrepancies or noncompliance issues related to regulatory requirements, customer specifications, or Prairie Farms standards. The technician will help maintain the cleanliness and organization of laboratory testing areas and equipment, assist in establishing and maintaining the ATP program for fillers and equipment, and follow up on corrective actions. They will also help maintain the Allergen testing program and follow up on corrective actions. The role requires following all company safety rules and exercising due care in discharging duties. The candidate is expected to learn and actively participate in activities designed to enhance Prairie Farms lean process to reduce waste throughout the company. Cross-training and performing other duties as assigned are also required.

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
Falsification of any records, misstatement of any results, or any willful act, which in any way jeopardizes the quality, value, or integrity of Prairie Farms products, will result in discipline including discharge and prosecution.

Nice To Haves

Strong math background is recommended

Responsibilities

Completing microbiological testing of products and ingredients
Perform daily lab testing on ice cream
Testing products according to customer requirements. Tests include, but not limited to, variegate checks, inclusions checks, weight verification, butterfat, total solids, TA, pH
Collecting and shipping finished product samples for testing
Maintain product retention program
Performing product evaluations/cuttings on ice cream products
Microbiological plating and analyzing data
Update product information within the QDA System
Product hold and release program
Environmental monitoring and follow up on corrective actions
Monitor weight control program
Report any quality deviations with ingredients, packaging or finished product
Complete quality work orders
Report immediately any discrepancies or noncompliance issues as relates to regulatory requirements, customer specifications or Prairie Farms standards
Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of laboratory testing areas and equipment
Help establish and maintain ATP program for fillers and equipment and follow up on corrective actions
Help maintain Allergen testing program and follow up on corrective actions
Follow all company safety rules and exercise due care in discharging duties
Learn and actively participate in activities designed to enhance Prairie Farms lean process to reduce waste throughout the company
Cross-train and perform other duties as assigned