Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America•Elkland Township, MI

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Technician will maintain laboratory and associated areas in an orderly and clean manner according to 5S methodology. This role involves performing various sampling and testing of raw milk, in-process, and finished products, including chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses. The technician will be responsible for completing and monitoring lab analytical testing records, reporting non-compliant results, and maintaining laboratory records accurately and legibly. Duties also include calibrating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, performing preventive maintenance, preparing reagents and media, managing inventory, and ensuring the accuracy of documents. The position requires adherence to safety regulations, participation in safety and GMP inspection programs, and upholding company values and ethics. The technician will also be involved in specific sampling programs like environmental surveillance, food contact sampling, and air monitoring, and will support Quality Plan Requirements and the HACCP Program. This role works under close supervision and follows established protocols and procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic technical skills in analytical/ scientific methods or operational processes to perform straightforward activities.
Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment.
Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis.
Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products.
Able to keep good records (record keeping skill).
Able to follow directions.
Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others.
Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions.
Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision.
Must be able to read, write and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred.
Industry Analyst certification for antibiotic testing required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

Maintain laboratory and associated areas in an orderly and clean manner in accordance to 5S methodology.
Perform sampling of raw milk, in-process, or finished products for analyses.
Perform chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of in-process and finished products.
Complete lab analytical testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending.
Report non-compliant laboratory analytical testing results to the QA Manager (Plant Manager).
Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices.
Perform preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks.
Wash lab utensils and glassware.
Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents.
Prepare and stock reagents and media.
Prepare labeling of testing analysis samples to testing laboratories.
Communicate inventory needs (Micro Supplies, Chemical Supplies for receiving lab).
Maintain and verify accuracy of documents (i.e., Documentation Control – Record Retention- Sample Retention).
Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
Addresses defined and straightforward problems using existing standard operating procedures (SOP).
Dedicate effort to safety as every employee is expected to leave work in the same condition as they arrived.
Participate in weekly safety observation program.
Participate in monthly GMP inspection program.
Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgement.
Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety, GLP, and GMP policies and procedures in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements; and report any nonconformity.
Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements for plant and laboratory operation.
Aseptically complete weekly environmental surveillance sampling for salmonella and listeria per Corporate program. Submit samples to Merieux Labs for analysis.
Complete weekly food contact sampling via quick-swabs and ATP.
Complete monthly air monitoring sampling and complete documentation for program.
Support Quality Plan Requirements and HACCP Program; assist in the monitoring of CQP‘s in facility.
Demonstrate sound judgement in safeguarding customer, company, and vendor and employee information.
Be responsible for the attainment of plant goals and objectives.
Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees and peers.
Works under close supervisor and according to explicit instructions, establishes protocols, and procedures.
Other duties may be assigned as required.