Sr. Lab Technician

PET Dairy has an immediate job opening for a quality assurance technician to perform microbiological and chemical testing of finished products, raw materials and associated items, while adhering to food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and SQF requirements. The person in this position would need to maintain all applicable standard operating procedures, while utilizing a continuous improvement mindset, and assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.

PET Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners. At PET Dairy, we are proud to provide families with fresh, delicious dairy.

By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!

The Lab Technician is responsible for efficiently and accurately performing tasks related to the testing of product, setting of samples, and follow-thru on several Quality Assurance programs.

• Familiarity with all applicable equipment and provide quality inspections on all related items.
• Perform of microbiological and chemical testing of finished products, raw materials and associated items as required.
• Involvement in product weight control, antibiotic testing, lab equipment maintenance and calibration and lab sanitation.
• Maintain communication with other departments and employees as to notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production.
• Complete all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Obtain and maintain State certification for antibiotic testing within company guidelines.
• Responsible for adhering to food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and SQF requirements
• Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible, and accurate format, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP's.
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
• Follow all required work safe practices. This would include wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
• Responsible for food safety, pre-requisite programs and food quality related to designated area.
• Report any food safety and food quality related issues to management immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PAY RATE: $24 per hour

SCHEDULE: 2pm - 10:30pm / Monday - Friday / Rotating Weekends

BENEFITS:

• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Uniforms provided
• Work for dairy farm families
• More benefits, too many to name

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1-2 years related experience required
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• Must be able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background and criminal checks
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to flavor milk-based, sugar-based and caffeine-based products
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for virtually the entire shift
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally including overhead
• Must be able to effectively work in a team environment
• Must be able to work in a wet environment
• May occasionally be exposed to chemicals
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime as required, occasional weekends and holidays

DFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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EEO Statement