Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a variety of laboratory tests and analyses to support food manufacturing quality and safety. This role prepares solutions and media, conducts chemical and microbial testing, maintains accurate laboratory records, and certifies that finished products meet government and customer specifications. The Lab Technician helps ensure product integrity, supports regulatory compliance, and contributes to a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

* Perform testing using Near Infra-red methods, acidity tests, sink work, and other microbial testing and environmental sampling to monitor product quality and safety.

* Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory testing, ensuring proper formulation, labeling, and handling.

* Sterilize laboratory equipment as needed to maintain aseptic conditions and prevent contamination.

* Conduct butterfat and total solids tests on fluid milk, cream, condensed and sweetened condensed milk, and powdered products using the appropriate testing equipment.

* Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records of samples, test results, and lab quality control measures in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.

* Certify that finished products are suitable for sale by verifying that they meet established government and customer specifications.

* Ensure cleanliness, organization, and proper housekeeping within the laboratory, maintaining the integrity of all testing results.

* Evaluate incoming truck shipments for acceptance based on established criteria and document findings.

* Enter data accurately into computer systems and generate requested reports for internal stakeholders.

* Follow all laboratory safety, quality, and operational procedures to support consistent and reliable testing.

* Collaborate with quality and production teams to communicate testing results and support continuous improvement in product quality.

Essential Skills

* Experience performing laboratory testing in a food, biology, or microbiology setting.

* Knowledge of food science, microbiology, or related scientific disciplines.

* Ability to perform Near Infra-red testing, acidity tests, butterfat testing, total solids testing, and other analytical procedures after training.

* Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording results.

* Ability to maintain laboratory records and quality control documentation with a high degree of precision.

* Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation.

* High School Diploma or GED required.

* Bachelor's degree in Biology, Food Science, or a related field OR at least one year of experience in food manufacturing as a technician or in quality.

* Demonstrated work ethic, reliability, and commitment to meeting work schedule and performance expectations.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Degree in Biology, Food Science, or another related field at the Associate or Bachelor level is preferred.

* At least one year of experience in food manufacturing as a technician or in a quality role may substitute for a degree.

* Familiarity with laboratory quality control practices and documentation.

* Comfort working with dairy or other food products in a laboratory environment.

* Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation simultaneously.

* Ability to follow detailed procedures and standard operating instructions.

* Willingness to learn new testing methods and laboratory techniques.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment within a food manufacturing facility. The Lab Technician primarily works in the lab performing tests and pulling samples from production. The role requires flexibility for 12-hour shifts when needed and is scheduled primarily on third shift, typically from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m., with a rotating schedule of four days on and two days off.

The position requires a strong work ethic and consistent commitment, with an expectation of working no less than 40 hours per week and regular availability of at least 10 hours of overtime. The environment involves working…