Producer Payment Regulatory Lab Technician - First Shift
About The Position
The Producer Payment Regulatory Lab Technician operates laboratory testing equipment using approved protocols to analyze milk samples for a variety of components. The role involves sorting and handling incoming samples, entering sample data, performing milk and farm water testing, and maintaining equipment through calibration, hourly checks, chemical preparation, cleaning, and approved maintenance. The technician also supports regulatory compliance, reports deviations from standards, maintains the work area, and interacts with customers and field staff as needed. The position is offered on either of two schedules: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at $21 per hour, or Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at $20 per hour. Work takes place in a laboratory with exposure to chemicals and cold from ice and samples. Protective safety equipment is required for certain tasks. The work requires close mental and visual attention, teamwork, frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand and wrist motion, and occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Requirements
- Associate degree in a science field and at least one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficient computer skills, preferably using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds.
- Use protective safety equipment for certain tasks.
Responsibilities
- Retrieve and sort incoming samples from ice chests or coolers; handle samples correctly through sorting, scanning, and testing.
- Enter producer numbers and sample data accurately into the computer.
- Operate milk testing equipment, including Bactoscan and Foss Combi units, according to applicable standard operating procedures.
- Perform equipment start-ups and shut-downs; check chemical levels, measure and mix chemicals, add chemicals as needed, prepare chemical buffers, calibrate or confirm equipment accuracy, and clean equipment according to lab protocol.
- Test milk for required components and substances, including fat, protein, lactose, somatic cells, SCC, MUN, bacteria, coliform, pasteurization, water, growth inhibitors, and sediments.
- Complete all required testing steps, including pour-offs of lab pasteurizations and reading petri films; perform farm water testing.
- Confirm results for samples that violate established standards.
- Assist with regulatory compliance activities, including training, lab inspections, and split sample protocols.
- Promptly report deviations from established standards and complete tasks needed to maintain laboratory regulatory approval, such as pipette and thermometer calibration and recording daily refrigerator temperatures.
- Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the work area and laboratory.
- Interact with customers and field staff as needed.
- Follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
