Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Lab Technician performs product testing, sample setup, and quality assurance activities. The role tests and inspects products at various stages of batching and production, evaluates data to maintain product quality and reliability, and uses gauges and other devices to verify conformity with standards. The technician is expected to work accurately and attentively, deliver valid test results in a timely manner, and help ensure products meet food safety and quality standards. The position supports quality control through inspection, sampling, testing, documentation, reporting, process monitoring, equipment calibration and maintenance, and cleaning. The technician must follow laboratory procedures, good manufacturing practices, and applicable food safety, sanitation, health, and safety regulations. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent together 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 in 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 and/or license may be required during employment, such as a Better Processing Certificate or state certification for antibiotic testing.

Responsibilities

Ensure the quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation against specifications and quality standards.
Test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with applicable standards.
Set up, sort, prepare, and clean samples.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
Immediately notify the supervisor of out-of-range values or deviations from accepted operational or product-quality norms, and monitor quality problems or trends.
Maintain laboratory records and complete paperwork accurately, clearly, promptly, and fully; enter data into computer systems and document required information in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Prepare reports of results.
Maintain process control by monitoring or generating statistical information and reporting it to the team leader or supervisor.
Participate in task meetings and suggest changes to work tasks and equipment use to improve efficiency.
Clean the task area daily and keep it free of clutter; perform detailed cleaning in task areas 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.