Lab Tech

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• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer‑owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high‑quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well‑being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are—what you do and what you think matters.

TBD

$29.01

Follows procedure, protocol, and policy to perform standardized tests to determine quantity or food safety and quality of products to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards. Follows good laboratory and manufacturing practices to ensure quality of work and reliability of performance.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operates basic laboratory equipment, such as pH meter, auto‑pipetters, FTIR, Charm Units, 3M Petrifilm, incubator.
• Collects, prepares, and processes in‑process and product samples for testing following standard procedures and protocols based on Standard Methods for the Examination of Milk Products, but not limited to:
  • Antibiotic content
  • Butterfat
  • Total solids
  • Homogenization efficiency
  • Organoleptic testing for all milks from raw through shelf‑life and end of code samples
  • Sediment testing
  • Viscosity
  • Titratable acidity on raw milk, cream, recycle milk products.
  • Pasteurization efficiency
  • Charm swab units
  • Direct microscopic counts
  • Standard plate counts
  • Total coliform counts
  • Yeast and mold counts
  • Other basic laboratory testing as required to support milk operations
• Conducts routine tests, measurements, and or non‑routine testing per procedure and guidance:
  • Temperature, weight, and volume checks
  • Chemical concentration checks on various cleaning systems
  • Water Quality Testing
  • Environmental Testing (ATP Swabs)
  • Allergen Testing (Allergen Swabs)
  • Pre‑Operation inspections on equipment and storage tanks
• Records and organizes data accurately in lab notebooks and/or digital systems.
• Escalates out‑of‑compliance results as defined or guided.
• Ensures compliance with laboratory procedures and policies.
• Becomes certified and maintains certification for antibiotic testing through biennial on‑site evaluation by the state LEO (Laboratory Evaluation Officer).
• Performance competency is measured and approved by LEO split sampling program.
• Performance competency meets internal split sample competency testing.
• Maintains lab cleanliness, sterilizes equipment, and manages supply inventory.
• Performs routine housekeeping of laboratory countertops, refrigeration units, cabinets, laboratory office area, etc.
• Calibration of laboratory equipment and operations equipment as defined.
• Follows safety protocols (OSHA, etc.) and always wears required PPE in facility.
• Performs site‑wide GMP audits as assigned.
• Performs and stays current with all required Alchemy and in‑person training.
• Assists with experiments, research tasks, troubleshooting tasks, as requested.
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of customer and consumer complaints.
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of operational non‑conformances.
• Communicates and escalates non‑conformances or issues as required in a timely manner.
• Generates Certificate of Analysis or Certificate of Conformance as required per procedures.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of an Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field, or at least two years’ experience in a Lab/QA position working in a food, chemical, or agricultural…