Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

• The Laboratory Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction by conducting tests on production and finished product samples to determine compliance with FDA, NYS regulations, and company standards.
• This role supports the manufacture of dairy-related products by maintaining quality and safety in all processes.

Responsibilities

• Achieve goals in production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.
• Notify others of mechanical malfunctions to enhance productivity and equipment capabilities.
• Comply with GMPs, SOPs, corporate and plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Assist and support all areas in the production facility, training on key areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.
• Gain competence on line circuits and ensure proper hookups in the facility.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned.
• Comply with all legal requirements regarding dairy processing and safety, reporting concerns to the supervisor.
• Work safely and report safety concerns promptly, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Report food safety problems and support SQF by maintaining food safety and quality.
• Ensure work areas are sanitary and adhere to strict sanitation practices.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and other departments.
• Conduct and evaluate product testing results for compliance with standards.
• Release compliant products from hold using the computerized inventory management system.
• Inspect and verify sanitary conditions of processing lines, fillers, tanks, and overall areas.
• Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and equipment.
• Communicate openly with the Quality Control Team and plant personnel.
• Conduct microbiological analyses, chemical analyses, and sensory testing as required.
• Perform bacteria/shelf life testing on fresh and stressed samples.
• Maintain laboratory logbook and Hold/Disposition Log for the shift worked.
• Log and send out COAs as testing completes.
• Complete Titratable Acidity tests using all methods.
• Conduct Allergen testing as required.
• Perform sterile sampling of tanks and report results timely.
• Complete and report product testing using tally and Product Testing Record.
• Perform cryoscope testing on milk products.
• Verify product labeling accuracy.
• Conduct EQA testing.
• Complete shelf life sensory testing and attend annual training.
• Perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate equipment.
• Conduct product sterility testing on samples received in the laboratory.
• Update logs and results for Product Hold and Disposition Log, following up as needed.
• Utilize LIMS system to verify analytical, sensory, and microbiological testing.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals, and role in achieving them.
• Ability to operate facility equipment as required in assigned area.
• Completion of all company training requirements.
• Ability to interpret company documents and literature.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of GED or High School Diploma required.
• Associate's degree in dairy/food sciences or equivalent highly preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience in a similar food industry lab setting highly preferred.

Work Environment

• The role requires working on a shift from 10pm to 8:30am.
• Work schedule may require morning, afternoon, and overnight availability any day of the week based on assigned shifts.
• Employees must maintain a safe work environment and adhere to GMP dress code standards, reporting in business-appropriate attire.