Lab Technician

Support Cass City’s quality program activities perform laboratory analyses with documentation and manage laboratory areas and equipment.

Maintain laboratory and associated areas in an orderly and clean manner in accordance to 5S methodology, which is to create a clean orderly environment where there is a place for everything and everything is in its place

Perform sampling of raw milk, in-process, or finished products for analyses

Perform chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of in-process and finished products

Complete lab analytical testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending

Report non-compliant laboratory analytical testing results to the QA Manager (Plant Manager)

Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices

Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices

Perform preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks

Wash lab utensils and glassware

Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents

Prepare and stock reagents and media

Prepare labeling of testing analysis samples to testing laboratories

Perform inventory control management

Maintain and verify accuracy of documents

Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues

Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrived

Participate in weekly safety observation program

Participate in monthly GMP inspection program

Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgement

Follow all Dairy Farmers of America GMP’s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory quality and sanitation requirements

Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety, and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity

Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)

The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Other duties may be assigned as required.

Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements for plant and laboratory operation

Follow all DFA GMP’s in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements

Aseptically complete weekly environmental surveillance sampling for salmonella and listeria per Corporate QA & C program. Submit samples to Merieux Labs for analysis. Manage documentation for program. Communicate weekly with Quality Manager

Complete weekly food contact sampling via quick-swabs and ATP. Communicate weekly with Quality Manager

Complete monthly air monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate monthly with Quality Manager

Organize and perform data entry of PEM program COA’s, Finished goods – powder results of COA’s micro results and other records as requested on SAP system

Support Quality Plan Requirements and HACCP Program; assist in the monitoring of CQP‘s in facility. Report to QA Manager

Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, and vendor and employee information

Be responsible for the attainment of plant goals and objectives

Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees and peers

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent

Previous quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred; including food, medical or pharmaceutical manufacturing

Able to learn and apply Good Manufacturing Practices, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance program, and Laboratory Best Practices to daily job performance

Ability to complete the required training assigned

Working knowledge of personal computer and Microsoft Office software

Good record keeping skills manage task completion to a defined timeline; demonstrate ability to complete analyses and documentation with accuracy

Must be able to use plant equipment, laboratory apparatus, and office automation equipment

Must be able to firmly adhere to the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay Range $18.66/hour