Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Lab Technician performs product testing, sample setup, and quality assurance activities throughout batching and production. The role tests and inspects products at various stages, evaluates data to support product quality and reliability, and uses gauges and other devices to verify products meet standards. The technician works accurately and promptly to produce valid results and helps ensure products meet food safety and quality requirements. The position also involves maintaining laboratory records and instrumentation, documenting and reporting results, monitoring process controls, and keeping the work area clean and safe. The technician follows company good manufacturing practices and applicable regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

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 state and federal regulations concerning testing of applicable products.
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, contribute to teamwork, and promptly share relevant information.
Ability to identify problems, find 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.

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, 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, and monitor quality problems or trends.
Maintain laboratory records and complete required paperwork accurately, clearly, promptly, and completely.
Enter data into computer systems and prepare reports of 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, keep it uncluttered, perform detailed cleaning during CIP, wash laboratory utensils and glassware, and assist with other cleanup.
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.