Lab Technician - 3rd Shift

Garelick Farms•Franklin, MA

About The Position

Garelick Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, is hiring a Lab Technician for the 3rd shift, Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. The rate is $23.75 per hour, plus a $1.50-per-hour shift differential for second- and third-shift work. The company describes its benefits as excellent and offers competitive pay and growth opportunities. The Lab Technician performs product testing, sample setup, and quality-assurance activities. The role tests and inspects products at different stages of batching and production, evaluates data to maintain product quality and reliability, and uses gauges and other devices to confirm products meet standards. Work requires accuracy and concentration, and supports the production and distribution of products meeting food safety and quality standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related work experience; alternatively, post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences.
Familiarity with applicable laboratory equipment.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Ability to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis.
Ability to follow laboratory procedures and applicable state and federal regulations for product testing.
Good record-keeping skills.
Ability to follow directions and work accurately with attention to detail.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate, foster teamwork, and promptly share relevant information.
Ability to identify problems, find appropriate solutions, and implement them.
Ability to perform tasks without constant supervision.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience is preferred.
Certification or license may be required during employment, such as a Better Processing Certificate or state certification for antibiotic testing.

Responsibilities

Ensure batch preparation and quality-control activities meet specifications and quality standards, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation.
Test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with applicable standards.
Set up, sort, and prepare samples, and clean up after testing.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
Immediately notify a supervisor of out-of-range values or deviations from accepted operational or product-quality norms; monitor quality problems and trends.
Maintain laboratory records and complete required paperwork accurately, clearly, and on time; enter data into computer systems and document required information in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Prepare reports of test results.
Maintain process control by monitoring or generating statistical information and reporting it to a team leader or supervisor.
Participate in task meetings and suggest changes to work tasks or equipment use to improve efficiency.
Clean the task area daily, perform detailed cleaning during Clean in Place (CIP), wash laboratory utensils and glassware, and assist with other cleanup activities.
Maintain safe working conditions and comply with state and federal health and safety regulations.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.