Laboratory Technician

fairlife•Dexter, NM

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician is an entry-level position providing key support to fairlife’s Quality Department. The role conducts water, raw milk, raw and pasteurized load-out, finished product, microbiological, chemical titration, and work-in-process testing. The technician also generates daily reports, enters and collects data, assists with projects and special studies, performs calibrations, files records, and communicates with other departments. The technician operates laboratory instrumentation—including equipment for moisture/solids, protein, fat, and pH testing—in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner. The role also performs quality line audits and sensory evaluations, prepares laboratory solutions and media, documents results, maintains supplies and an orderly work area, and promptly communicates unusual results, product defects, damage, or unsafe conditions to the appropriate personnel. The position follows safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), along with food safety and quality requirements. This is a day-shift position in Dexter, New Mexico, scheduled for 12-hour shifts from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Team members work every other weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The position is non-exempt, has no travel requirements, and reports to the Quality Assurance Manager.

Requirements

Experience in a laboratory setting is required.
An associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, or equivalent relevant experience is required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
Ability to read, write, and understand English is required.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing for most of the workday, walking on uneven concrete and tile, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Operate laboratory testing instrumentation correctly and safely, including equipment used for moisture/solids, protein, fat, and pH testing.
Perform water, raw milk, raw and pasteurized load-out, finished product, microbiological, chemical titration, and work-in-process testing.
Perform daily quality line audits, evaluations, and testing on the plant floor as assigned.
Conduct sensory evaluations on all finished products.
Complete laboratory data worksheets and logs accurately and maintain results and reports confidentially.
Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory tests.
Generate daily reports and perform data entry, data collection, filing, calibrations, project assistance, and assistance with special studies.
Communicate results promptly, confidentially, and professionally to the appropriate individuals and departments.
Notify the Quality Assurance Manager and appropriate operations supervisors of unusual results or product defects, and perform necessary analytical and microbiological rechecks.
Report damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions involving plant equipment or laboratory instrumentation to a supervisor or manager immediately.
Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area and keep it stocked with sufficient supplies.
Follow safety, work, GMP, and GLP rules.
Notify supervision of repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety.
Follow the color-coded container policy in production areas and perform duties necessary to meet company, customer, and government requirements or standards.
Take action to prevent food safety or quality nonconformities, identify and record related problems, and control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product until the issue is corrected.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective day one.
Supplemental health plans, including hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance.
Paid time off.
Paid parental leave and adoption assistance up to $10,000.
Parental support and family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
Wellness reimbursement up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses.
Employee Assistance Program for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
Employer HSA funding for HDHP participants.
Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 and student loan repayment of $200 per month.
Learning and development programs.
Rewards and recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.