Lab Technician - 1st Shift

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician is entrusted with the vital task of performing testing on production samples and finished product samples to ensure compliance with FDA, NYS regulations, and internal standards. This role supports the manufacture of dairy-related products by fulfilling various assigned duties aimed at ensuring customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Achieve assigned goals in production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.
• Notify others of mechanical malfunctions to enhance productivity and equipment capabilities.
• Comply with GMP’s, SOP’s, and corporate or plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Assist and support all areas in the production facility as assigned and build competence in key production areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.
• Gain competence in line circuits and ensure proper hookups in the facility.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned.
• Comply with legal requirements concerning dairy processing and safety and report concerns.
• 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 strictly adhere to sanitation practices.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and other departments.
• Conduct and evaluate product testing results to determine compliance with standards.
• Release compliant product from hold in the computerized inventory management system.
• Inspect and verify the sanitary condition of processing lines and areas, including ATP swabbing and visual inspections.
• Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and equipment.
• Conduct microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing as required for all finished products, in-process processes, and incoming materials.
• Conduct bacteria and shelf life testing of fresh and stressed samples.
• Maintain laboratory logbook and Hold/Disposition Log.
• Log and send out Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as testing completes.
• Complete Titratable Acidity (TA) tests using all methods.
• Conduct allergen testing as required.
• Perform sterile sampling of tanks and report results promptly.
• Complete and report product testing using tally and Product Testing Record.
• Perform cryoscope testing on milk products.
• Verify correct product labeling.
• Conduct EQA testing.
• Complete shelf life sensory testing and attend training annually.
• Perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate equipment.
• Conduct product sterility testing on samples.
• Update log and results for Product Hold and Disposition Log and follow up as needed.
• Utilize LIMS system and verify analytical, sensory, and microbiological testing.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts such as adding, counting, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
• Knowledge of weights and measures.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.
• Knowledge of the company's mission, purpose, goals, and individual roles in achieving them.
• Ability to operate facility equipment as required in assigned areas.
• Completion of all company training requirements.
• Ability to interpret company documents, literature, and UPC/code information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

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

Work Environment

The work environment is a laboratory setting, which requires adherence to GMP dress code standards. The schedule involves working from 6 PM to 6:30 AM, Sunday to Wednesday, with potential for every other Wednesday off. The position demands availability for morning, afternoon, and overnight shifts any day of the week based on the assigned shift. The candidate must be well-groomed and dressed in business-appropriate attire, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards at all times.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Syracuse, New York.