Lab Tech

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Shift: Evenings (2pm - 10:30pm) with Saturday and Sunday work requirement every other week plus holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sets up, adjusts and operates laboratory equipment and instruments including but not limited to Microscopes, IR Analyzers, pH meters.
• Conduct tests to determine chemical/physical and microbiological characteristics for raw and finished products using established SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform sensory analysis on ingredients and finished products to ensure conformance to regulatory and customer quality requirements.
• Record all test results on standardized forms, and complete data entry into appropriate systems.
• Responsible for release of fluid product for loadout, batch blend, and/ or packaging lines.
• Responsible for communicating any out of specification test results and/or other quality issues to appropriate production and/or QA management as necessary.
• Directs incoming tanker trucks to the appropriate receiving bay as required and notifies appropriate production personnel.
• Operate the truck scale to ensure accurate weights of incoming and outgoing fluid loads for payment.
• Generates Bill of Lading and Certificate of Analysis for outgoing bulk tanker loads.
• Performs calculations including: adjustments for standardizing Evaporated Milk tanks to meet the Regulatory Standard of Identity and product specifications.
• Provide administrative support during off hours such as answer incoming switchboard calls and security check in/check out of visitors/vendors.
• Performs other related duties as required by QA Management.

Experience & Education Required:

Associates Degree in Science or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Knowledge & Skills - Required

• Must be proficient in time management
• Functional/Technical skills
• Demonstrated experience as collaborative, contributing team member.
• Strong attention to quality and process detail.

Confidentiality:

The QC Laboratory Technician is exposed on a daily basis to O-AT-KA and Customer product specifications and information meant for internal use, such as ingredients, product loss, etc. that must remain confidential.

Management Responsibility:

The QC Laboratory Technician is an individual contributor role that operates under the guidance and direction of the Laboratory Supervisor.

Work Environment:

• The QC Laboratory Technician performs duties in both an office and manufacturing environment with majority of time in the QC Laboratory.
• Must be able to see, sit, stand, bend, and reach. Ability to operate general office equipment (computer, phone, calculator, copier, etc.) and lift up to 35 lbs. required.
• Must adhere to General Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and wear appropriate PPE when in the Manufacturing plant and exposed to loud noise, hot/cold temperatures and wet floors.

Pay: $24 USD per hour*

Shift: Evenings (2pm - 10:30pm) with Saturday and Sunday work requirement every other week plus holidays.

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.