Job Description

General Purpose:

Ensure that DFA products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards. Test all raw intermediated and finished products as well as collect and test environmental samples according to established procedures. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state and federal regulations
• Ensure the following facility programs are followed: safety, food safety, GMP, preventive maintenance, quality assurance, and sanitation
• Help ensure all policies and procedures for the American Institute of Baking (AIB), Quality Assurance
• International (QAI), Organic, FDA, USDA, CDPHE and GMA SAFE are followed
• Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed
• Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
• Maintain proficiency of testing for Critical Quality Points
• Notify plant supervision and management in any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area throughout the facility and work area
• Monitor laboratory operations, documenting and correcting discrepancies identified in technician performance
• Document laboratory values as required in plant records
• Manage sample retention and laboratory inventory levels
• Review performance verifications and preventive maintenance records for completeness and archive as needed
• Safeguard and protect all company assets
• Make decisions in a timely manner
• Anticipate problems and implement solutions
• Demonstrate sound judgment in a safeguarding customer, company, vendor, and employee information
• Is responsible for the attainment of plant goals and objectives
• Use skills and talent to contribute to organizational success
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees and peers
• Maintain well-groomed professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation
• Follow all DFA GMP\'s and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion and sound judgment
• Complete and show competency in the yearly New York State split sample program.
• Are responsible for COA\'s on finished product
• Release product prior to shipment
• Assist with laboratory special projects and new testing implementation
• Assist in creating SOP\'s, SSOP, s and other procedures for the laboratory
• Assist in laboratory training needs.
• Work with Sanitation for ATP and Environmental Testing
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.
• This is a Third shift position.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• 2 year applied science degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or microbiology preferred
• 1 year of experience in a food laboratory
• Within six months, the Lab Technician must be provisionally approved for antibiotic testing by the Vermont State certifying officer

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to use laboratory apparatus, and office automation equipment
• Must be able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Knowledge of and proficient computer usage
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to keep good records (record keeping skill)
• Able to prepare and comprehend wash tags, shipping and receiving paperwork, laboratory procedures and reference, and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of dairy products; able to communicate with fellow employees
• Able to take on the responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done
• Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement recommended solutions
• Able to take on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork and promptly share relevant information with others
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Able to maintain a positive "can do" outlook, rebound quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintain composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Benefits:

DFA offers an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision, fully funded pension and more.

EEO/AA/Female/Minority/Disabled/Veteran

Dairy Farmers of America