Milk Intake Laboratory Technician Tlnt1_Ni

Dale Farm Ltd; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Dale Farm Ltd in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, is seeking a Milk Intake Laboratory Technician to ensure all incoming milk meets quality and food safety standards. You will perform tests on milk received, including temperature, acidity, antibiotic screening, and organoleptic assessment, and you will release tankers when results are within specification.

You will maintain accurate records for traceability, communicate any non-conformities to the Milk Intake Team and management, organise samples,

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths, English and Science at grade C or above (or equivalent).
• Strong verbal and written communication; attention to detail.
• Competent IT skills and accuracy in record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing of all milk received and release tankers within specification.
• Accurately record and report test results per site procedures.
• Communicate non-conforming results to Milk Intake Team and Management.
• Organise and retain milk samples for traceability and quality control.
• Carry out daily equipment calibration/verification and maintain hygiene.

Skills

Flexibility

Excellent attendance

Team player

Calm under pressure

Positive attitude

Problem solving

Initiative

Education

GCSE Maths, English & Science (C or above)

Tools

IT skills

Job description

Milk Intake Laboratory Technician

JOB PURPOSE

To perform quality and food safety testing on all incoming milk supplies, ensuring only compliant milk is accepted onto site, while maintaining accurate records and supporting traceability requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Milk Intake Testing and Quality Assurance

Conduct testing of all milk received on site and positively release tankers for use when results are within specification. Perform the following analyses on all whole milk and skim milk tankers:

• Temperature
• Antibiotic testing
• Acidity
• Freezing Point Depression (FPD)
• Organoleptic assessment
• Bactoscan count
• Any additional tests as required by management

Documentation and Reporting

Accurately record, maintain, and report all test results in accordance with site procedures. Promptly communicate any non-conforming milk results to the Milk Intake Team, Laboratory Personnel, and Management.

Communication and Decision Making

Liaise effectively with tanker drivers regarding the acceptance or rejection of loads based on test results and site specifications. Maintain clear and professional communication with internal stakeholders to ensure efficient operations and product quality.

Sample Management and Compliance

Organise, label, and retain milk samples as required for traceability and quality management purposes. Carry out additional intake compliance checks including:

• Red Tractor compliance verification
• Tanker wash record inspections
• Other intake quality checks as required

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

Perform daily calibration and verification checks on laboratory equipment, including:

• Antibiotic Charm Readers
• Freezing Point Depression (FPD)
• Cryoscope
• Bactoscan start-up and validation checks

Hygiene and Housekeeping

Maintain a clean, organised, and hygienic work area in line with food safety, quality, and health & safety standards. Ensure lab equipment and workstations are maintained to a high standard at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere to all site Quality, Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Environmental procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the lab and milk intake.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

Essential Criteria

• Good level of secondary education. Must have GCSE Maths, English & Science subjects at grade C or above (or equivalent).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Competent IT skills.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate records with a high level of attention to detail.
• Well-organised and methodical approach to work, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in a laboratory, food testing, dairy, or quality assurance environment.

Skills

• Flexibility.
• Reliable with excellent attendance and timekeeping.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently and use initiative when required.
• Ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive attitude with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Only applications from EU Nationals or those with a valid permit to work in the UK will be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer

AMBITION | CURIOSITY | TEAMWORK | POSITIVITY | RESOLVE | ACCOUNTABILITY

TLNT1_NI