Night Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; Ontario; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the dairy industry is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support quality program activities. The role involves performing laboratory analyses, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a background in food science or related fields, along with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance preferred.
• Two year applied science degree in food science or dairy science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients and products.
• Complete laboratory testing records and monitor for compliance.
• Report non-compliant test results to the QA Manager.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma

Applied Science Degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

General Purpose:

Support Bruce's quality program activities, perform laboratory analyses with documentation, and manage laboratory areas and equipment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Responsibilities:

• Perform chemical and physical testing of ingredients, in-process, and finished products


• Complete laboratory testing records and monitor records for compliance / trending


• Report non-compliant laboratory test results to the QA Manager (Quality Supervisor)


• Maintain laboratory records in a timely, accurate, and legible manner following laboratory best practices


• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation per vendor recommendations and/or laboratory best practices


• Performing preventive maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks


• Wash lab/production utensils and glassware


• Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies and reagents


• Prepare and stock reagents and media


• Perform inventory control management of laboratory supplies


• Documentation Control - Record Retention - Sample Retention


• Prepare samples and documentation for shipment to external labs


• Perform equipment and environmental inspections as required to maintain facility sanitation programs

Quality Program Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and laboratory operation.


• Aseptically complete environmental surveillance sampling for Salmonella and Listeria per Corporate QA programs. Manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.


• Complete air and water monitoring sampling and manage documentation for program. Communicate results to quality management.


• Organize and perform data entry into computer systems


• Support the facility's Food Safety Plan and Food Defense Plan


• Perform limited maintenance as defined per the MSS or as required, including but not limited to inspection, cleaning, and entering maintenance work requests into the SAP system


• Assist in the training and development of new lab technicians


• Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly at designated intervals


• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and common areas


• Anticipate problems, implement solutions, and look for continuous improvement/process improvement opportunities


• Safeguard and protect all company assets and proprietary information


• Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives. Make decisions in a timely manner


• Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with peers and employees from all other departments


• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive


• Follow all Dairy Farmers of America procedures and practices: Safety, Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)


• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) 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


• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity


• Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Food Safety, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)


• 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.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent


• Two year applied science degree in food science, dairy science, or applied discipline preferred


• 1 year food or pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance or laboratory experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically SAP


• Skill in proficient computer usage


• Able to perform basic quality testing as necessary, including but not limited to, TA, pH, sensory testing, salt %, and fat %


• Able to understand all plant processes to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise


• Able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once


• Able to use and understand mathematical calculations


• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing


• Able to be proactive in seeking solutions


• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork


• Able to follow directions and meet deadlines


• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems


• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures


• Able to interpret and apply company policies


• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively


• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision


• Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities


• Able to use direct reading instruments and devices in which interpretation is not required


• Able to carry out instructions and effectively manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines


• Able to lift at least 50 lbs.


• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer