Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team. The candidate will be responsible for testing pasteurized milk, performing temperature checks, and conducting microbial contamination tests. The role involves significant laboratory work, including organizing samples, preparing reagents, and maintaining equipment. This is an excellent opportunity to work independently and make a direct impact on the quality of our dairy products.

Responsibilities

• Test all pasteurized milk for proper pasteurization and homogenization.
• Perform temperature checks on all pasteurized and raw milk storage tanks.
• Test empty product containers for microbial contamination.
• Aseptically plate in-process and packaged samples for microbial contamination.
• Perform finished product testing on daily start-ups and changeovers, including chemical, physical, and organoleptic testing.
• Monitor in-process culture tanks and sample at designated intervals to check temperature and pH levels.
• Monitor temperature recording charts.
• Organize and rotate all lab samples on a daily basis.
• Assist with daily cleaning and maintenance of all laboratory equipment.
• Perform daily cleaning tasks in the laboratory.
• Prepare all necessary lab reagents needed throughout the shift.
• Clean and autoclave all glassware and reusable testing equipment.
• Collect chemical samples from the production floor to test for proper concentration.
• Report any process deviations or product deficiencies to the Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Autoclave necessary laboratory and plant equipment.
• Perform instrument calibrations.
• Assist with the internal auditing program.
• Enter the production floor to pull random samples from filler lines periodically throughout the shift.
• Conduct end-of-code testing, including taste testing stress-tested products.

Essential Skills

• Plating and plate analysis
• Aseptic technique
• Quality Control
• Quality Assurance
• Biology
• Chemistry

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, or other scientific related field highly preferred.
• High School Diploma required.
• Previous experience in plating, plate analysis, and aseptic technique highly preferred.

Work Environment

The position requires working in a lab within a dairy manufacturing facility, handling products such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses. The candidate must be comfortable touching, eating, and smelling dairy products. The role involves spending time on the production floor, which can be warm, loud, and have slippery surfaces. The work environment includes a small team, working mostly independently, and reporting to the Quality Assurance Supervisor. The dress code requires khakis or navy work pants, a plain polo or t-shirt, and safety-toed shoes. Uniforms will be provided by Aramark. Working hours are Friday to Monday from 6am to 4pm, with initial training on weekdays.