QA Certified Laboratory Technician - Nights

Cayuga Milk Ingredients, LLC•City of Auburn, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The QA Certified Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing laboratory and quality assurance functions, including testing, data collection, and analysis on raw materials, ingredients, and finished products. This position also performs specialized Certified Laboratory testing and reporting related to producer milk quality, payment, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance under the NYS Certified Testing Program and Milk Market Association requirements. The technician operates with a high degree of independence, ensuring compliance with NYS Ag & Markets, FDA, USDA, and GMP standards. The role contributes to the achievement of company objectives in quality, safety, service, and cost effectiveness while maintaining the laboratory in compliance with all standard operating procedures and certified testing protocols.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field preferred.
Prior experience in laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, or food safety within the dairy or food manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and glassware.
Ability to perform analytical and microbiological testing accurately and safely.
Knowledge of GMP, FDA, USDA, and NYS Certified Laboratory standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Windows-based applications.
Strong organizational and communication skills (verbal and written).
Ability to understand and interpret technical data and records.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Willingness to work 12-hour shifts or other schedules as needed, including overtime.
Must be able to obtain and maintain NYS Certified Laboratory Technician status within six months of hire.
Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.
Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.
Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.
Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.
Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.
Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.
Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Nice To Haves

Experience with advanced analytical techniques (e.g., GC, HPLC) a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare in-process and finished product samples.
Perform analytical testing using instrumental and wet chemistry methods.
Conduct microbiological analyses on finished products, raw materials, and environmental samples.
Collect, organize, and analyze samples, including microbiological and shelf-life testing.
Enter and report test data accurately in accordance with laboratory procedures.
Research historical data as needed and communicate findings in clear reports, charts, or graphs.
Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and sanitation personnel to troubleshoot quality-related issues.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safety in accordance with GMP and company standards.
Prepare and standardize solutions and reagents as required.
Perform daily instrument setup, calibration, and verification checks to ensure data accuracy.
Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents.
Perform and document Certified Laboratory testing of producer and raw milk samples in accordance with NYS Certified Lab and Milk Market Association requirements.
Collect and organize raw milk samples by date, time, farm, and location.
Conduct and record microbiological plating (E. coli, RAC, AC) and pipette accuracy testing; manage incubation procedures (PI, LPC).
Calibrate and operate specialized instrumentation including: Delta Lactoscope Delta Somascope Bentley IBCm
Perform thermometer calibrations and other Certified testing calibrations as required.
Conduct control and verification checks (e.g., Cornell samples, FMMO calibration standards).
Manage data input, verification, and upload to regulatory and producer reporting systems.
Maintain proper inventory of Certified testing supplies, reagents, and calibration standards.
Prepare and submit monthly producer testing reports in compliance with certification requirements.
Assist with projects related to raw milk attributes, quality improvement, or Certified Laboratory initiatives as assigned.