Dairy Farmers of America is hiring: Lab Technician 3rd shift in Franklin

**Job Description**

**Garelick Farms, Dairy Farmer of America, is excited to announce an opening for a Lab Technician.**

**We offer excellent benefits and competitive pay with great growth opportunities!**

**External Candidate -$1,500.00 sign-on bonus**

**3rd Shift Monday- Friday, Saturday 9:00 pm to 5:30 am**

**GENERAL PURPOSE**

Perform tasks related to the testing of products, setting of samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Test and inspect products at various stages of the batching and production process. Compile and evaluate data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Use gauges and other devices to verify conformity to standards of products being tested. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure that products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specification and quality standards

Properly test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards

Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up

Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed

Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trends

Maintain lab records as directed. Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and completely with required information. Complete data entry into the computer system(s). Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures

Prepare reports of results

Maintain process control by monitoring and/or generating statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor

Participate in task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies

Perform daily cleaning of task area keeping work area free of clutter. During CIP (Clean in Place), perform detail cleaning in task areas. Wash lab utensils and glassware; assist with other clean-up activities

Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues

Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent 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 employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

**Requirements**

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**

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

Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred

Certification and/or License may be required during course of employment such as Better Processing Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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 task and duties without constant supervision

Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer