Laboratory Technician

This individual, in conjunction with the Quality Manager, will perform tasks related to the testing of products, setting up samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Test and inspect products, compile, and evaluate data to determine and maintain the quality and reliability of products. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards.

• Partner with Operations to continuously drive the facility's culture toward a higher level of food safety and quality.
• Facilitate the review and submission of Certificates of Analysis to customers.
• Review, inspect, and release raw ingredients in inventory systems and enter cheese analytical results.
• Complete sensory and analytical testing of finished products
• Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
• Notify the manager of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately and monitor quality problems or trends.
• Maintain lab records as directed. Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and ultimately with the necessary information. Complete data entry into the computer system(s). Ensure all the necessary information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures.
• Assist Quality Manager with PEM program including oversight of swabbing program, investigation and mitigation activities.
• Participate in activities such as training and safety programs to enhance overall plant performance.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work consistently with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent coupled with food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related work experience; or post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences.

• Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment
• Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis.
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products.
• Able to keep good records (record-keeping skill)
• Able to follow directions.
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others.
• Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions.
• Able to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak
  
  

  DFA Physical Demands and Work Environment

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  	Never 0% of shift	Occasional 1-33% of shift	Frequent 34-66% of shift	Constant 67-100% of shift
  Physical Demands
  Sit			X
  Stand		X
  Walk			X
  Grasp, handle, twist or type				X
  Reach (forward or overhead)		X
  Climb (stairs or ladder)	X
  Squatting, kneeling or bending		X
  Push/pull		X
  Crawling	X
  Driving a vehicle	X
  Lifting/Carrying
  Up to 10 pounds		X
  Up to 25 pounds		X
  Up to 55 pounds		X
  Up to 75 pounds	X
  75-100 pounds	X
  Work Environment
  Use of chemicals Must maintain a constant state of alertness			X
  Outdoor weather conditions		X
  Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)		X
  Refrigerated temps (non-weather) < 40		X
  Elevated heat (non-weather) > 95		X
  Noise > 80 decibels		X
  Dust	X
  Fumes	X
  Ability to work around dairy/food products				X
  Work in tight or narrow spaces
  Working in, around & over lines/obstacles		X
  Ability to work with limited supervision				X
  Typical office environment			X
  Typical manufacturing environment		X
  Typical farm/livestock environment	X
  Typical lab environment			X

  
  
  

  Sensory Demands (Check all that apply)

  X Verbal Communication Touch X Smell X Hear X Taste X Reading X Writing

  Vision (Check all that apply)

  X Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

  X Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

  X Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish color)

  X Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes

  are fixed on a given point)

  X Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)