Lab Technician - Plant

Dairy Farmers of America is a global food Cooperative focused on quality, innovation, and the future. At our facility located in Goshen, Indiana, we process over 250,000 gallons of milk a day into condensed skim milk, cream, or nonfat dry milk powder. To ensure we are able to achieve our goals and provide a second to none product we operate 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. We are searching for other dedicated team members to join us in accomplishing our commitment to quality via integrity and passion.
We are recruiting for a 3rd Shift team member to support our Lab operations. This shift is 10PM to 6AM. The hourly rate for this position is $23.02 at 90-Days with a Shift Premium of $1 per hour.
You will collect samples from incoming raw milk tankers according to regulations of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and Dairy Farmers of America internal policy. You will complete these tasks using the outlined duties below.

• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the lab and the integrity of all testing results while maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Perform in process and finished product testing for using the NIR (Near Infra-Red) methods, scorch tests, acidity tests, sensory, other appropriate lab testing.
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn business software operation systems (SAP).
• Must become an ISBOAH certified sampler and analyst and maintain certification.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs to ensure accurate and precise testing results.
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Food Safety, Quality, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• Ability to pass drug test and criminal background check.
• High School Diploma or GED required. College or associate degree with curricular science course work highly desired.
• Strong attention to detail, multitasking and prioritizing capability in fast paced work setting. Aptitude to work safely in a lab and processing facility environment.
• Perform butterfat and total solids tests on fluid milk, cream, condensed and whole milk condensed, and powdered products utilizing the Foss tester.
• Availability to work 6 days a week, weekends and holidays.
• Prepare chemical solutions and media required for laboratory testing. Sterilize equipment as needed.
• Perform environmental sampling as required.
• Maintain lab records of samples, test results, and lab quality control measures in an up-to-date, legible, and accurate manner.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs, climb up the stairs, to kneel and keep balance and coordination while performing sampling tasks on an elevated platform.
• 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.
• Certify that finished product is suitable for sale by meeting regulatory and customer specifications and accurately enter results and release. Communication through management and report non-conformances to specifications.
• Strong work ethic and personal integrity. Must be able to follow procedures, written and verbal directions, and be in compliance with company policies.
• Review incoming loads documentation, conduct routine chemical, physical and microbiological tests (antibiotic, DMC, cryoscopy, butterfat ...), accept or reject the loads of raw milk, lab results record keeping and data entry by using business operating software (SAP).
• Experience in a lab environment preferred.

An Equal Opportunity Employer