Night QA Lab Technician- 3rd Shift

Dairy Farmers of America•Portland, ME

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician position at Oakhurst Dairy contributes to the production of high-quality dairy products by performing routine product analysis. This includes bacteriological, chemical, and physical testing of raw and finished goods, microscopy on incoming raw milk, organoleptic analysis of finished products, and operation of specialized lab equipment. The role involves frequent audits of the manufacturing facility to drive continuous improvement and meet internal quality standards. Additionally, the technician is responsible for sanitation verification through visual inspection and swabbing, inspection of cleaning equipment, post-cleaning allergen sampling and analysis, and pre-operational inspections of food contact equipment. Collaboration with Production, Shipping, and Maintenance staff is integral. This position is for the night shift.

Requirements

Knowledge of bacterial plating methods.
Experience with compound light microscopy.
Demonstration of aseptic laboratory techniques.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to thrive in individual and team environments.
Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GMPs and writing SOPs is a plus.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations.
Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed.
Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards.
Perform bacteriological, chemical, and physical tests on raw and finished goods to meet quality compliance goals.
Conduct product sampling at various points through the supply chain.
Perform microscopy on incoming raw milk.
Perform packaging evaluations to ensure conformity to standards.
Inspect the plant periodically and regularly for compliance with Oakhurst Dairy and the US Public Health regulations.
Evaluate product temperatures throughout the manufacturing process.
Verify cleaning completeness through visual inspection and swabbing activities.
Inspect cleaning equipment for functionality and proper operation.
Perform post-cleaning allergen verification and validation.
Conduct pre-operational inspections in coordination with Production personnel.
Review documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Maintain the Pathogen Environmental Monitoring program and participate in sampling activities.
Troubleshoot quality issues with Production and Quality personnel.
Recommend changes or improvements to the laboratory procedures, plant inspections, process control or cleaning and sanitizing programs.
Enforce quality standards, GMPs and SOPs.
Maintain and enforce the HACCP and SQF programs.
Attend and participate in the quality meetings.
Obtain IMS certification through the State Department of Agriculture.
Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area throughout the facility and laboratory.
Keep the Quality Assurance Manager informed of all quality results and issues.
Performing all other duties deemed appropriate, necessary, required, or directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.