Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction by performing tests on production and finished product samples. This role is vital in maintaining compliance with FDA, NYS regulations, and company standards, supporting the manufacture of dairy-related products.

Responsibilities

+ Achieve goals in production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.

+ Notify others of mechanical malfunctions to enhance productivity and equipment capabilities.

+ Comply with GMPs, SOPs, and company policies and regulations.

+ Assist and support all areas in the production facility and train on key production areas.

+ Gain competence on line circuits and ensure proper hookups in the facility.

+ Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned.

+ Comply with legal requirements concerning dairy processing and safety on assigned shift.

+ Work safely and report safety concerns to supervisor promptly.

+ Report food safety problems and support SQF by maintaining food safety and quality.

+ Ensure work areas are sanitary and adhere to sanitation practices.

+ Communicate effectively between shifts and departments.

+ Conduct and evaluate product testing to determine compliance with standards.

+ Release compliant product from hold on the computerized inventory management system.

+ Inspect and verify sanitary condition of processing lines, fillers, and tanks.

+ Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for the processing departments.

+ Maintain cleanliness of work areas and equipment.

+ Conduct microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing as required.

+ Conduct bacteria and shelf life testing of fresh and stressed samples.

+ Maintain laboratory logbook and Hold/Disposition Log for shift worked.

+ Log and send out COAs as testing completes.

+ Complete Titratable Acidity (TA) tests using all methods.

+ Conduct allergen testing as required.

+ Perform sterile sampling of tanks and report results timely.

+ Complete and report product testing using tally and Product Testing Record.

+ Perform cryoscope testing on milk products.

+ Verify product labeling accuracy.

+ Conduct EQA testing.

+ Complete shelf life sensory testing and attend annual training.

+ Perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate equipment.

+ Conduct product sterility testing on lab samples.

+ Update log and results for Product Hold and Disposition Log.

+ Utilize LIMS system for testing verification.

Essential Skills

+ Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

+ Knowledge of weights and measures.

+ Proficiency in English for communication and job functions.

+ Understanding of company's mission, purpose, and goals.

+ Ability to operate facility equipment as required.

+ Completion of all company training requirements.

+ Ability to interpret company documents and UPC/code information.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Minimum of GED or High School Diploma required.

+ Associates degree in dairy/food sciences or equivalent highly preferred.

+ 1-2 years' experience in similar food industry lab setting highly preferred.

Work Environment

The lab technician role requires flexibility in work schedule, including morning, afternoon, and overnight availability any day of the week based on assigned shifts. Employees must comply with GMP dress code standards, maintain a safe work environment, and wear business-and position-appropriate attire at all times.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cortland, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.50 - $24.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills,…