Lab Technician

About the Role

Garelick Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, is seeking a Lab Technician for the 3rd Shift.

Shift Schedule: Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM.

Pay Rate: $23.75/hr. + $1.50/hr. Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specification and quality standards.
• Properly test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards.
• Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
• Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trends.
• Maintain lab records as directed.
• Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and completely with required information.
• Complete data entry into the computer system(s).
• Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures.
• Prepare reports of results.
• Maintain process control by monitoring and/or generating statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor.
• Participate in task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies.
• Perform daily cleaning of task area, keeping work area free of clutter.
• During CIP (Clean in Place), perform detail cleaning in task areas.
• Wash lab utensils and glassware; assist with other clean-up activities.
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Company computer systems
• Gauges and other devices for product verification

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related work experience.
• Post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences.
• Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred.
• Certification and/or License may be required during course of employment (e.g., Better Processing Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing).
• Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment.
• Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis.
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products.
• Ability to keep good records (record keeping skill).
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others.
• Ability to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions.
• Ability to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.