Lab Technician

Prairie Farms Dairy•Mindoro, WI

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician performs quality testing in accordance with company requirements, established procedures, and applicable company or regulatory standards. The role samples products throughout the process, monitors process temperatures, maintains laboratory records, calibrates laboratory equipment, and interprets and communicates quality data. The technician promptly reports out-of-specification issues to plant supervision and follows established procedures for controlling non-conforming products. The position also involves completing required training and safely handling laboratory chemicals in compliance with company and OSHA requirements. The role requires effective communication and data interpretation, the ability to follow standard procedures, basic math skills, and mechanical aptitude to use laboratory equipment and small tools and make machine-setting adjustments. Physical duties include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, climbing, bending, squatting, or walking; computer and keyboard use; and lifting up to 50 pounds. The employee must tolerate exposure to milk, cocoa, and egg proteins. Prairie Farms is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent skills acquired through experience.
Effective oral and written communication skills to maintain working relationships with laboratory and plant team members.
Working knowledge of Microsoft software applications.
Mechanical aptitude to use an electric scale and other laboratory equipment, adjust machine settings, use small tools, and operate a microscope.
Hand-eye coordination and dexterity to handle precision instruments in a laboratory setting.
Ability to interpret data and communicate information effectively.
Ability to read and follow standard procedures.
Basic math skills.
Ability to verbally communicate, understand, and write in English.
Ability to sit, stand, climb, bend, squat, or walk for prolonged periods; operate a computer and keyboard; review written documentation; hear and understand speech; operate a telephone; lift horizontally and vertically; bend and stoop; and lift up to 50 pounds.
Tolerance to exposure to milk, cocoa, and egg proteins.

Responsibilities

Complete quality testing of raw materials, in-process products, finished products, and other materials according to company or regulatory standards.
Sample products throughout the process to determine compliance with specifications.
Monitor temperatures throughout the process.
Maintain clear and accurate laboratory records.
Calibrate laboratory equipment according to standard requirements.
Interpret and communicate quality data according to standard procedures.
Immediately communicate out-of-specification issues to plant supervision to initiate corrective action.
Follow plant procedures for controlling non-conforming products.
Complete required training for GMPs, HACCP, OSHA safety programs, and Company Quality Standards.
Review SDS sheets and safely use laboratory chemicals in compliance with company and OSHA requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.