Certified Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; Richmond (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Competitive pay

Paid vacation and holidays

Career growth opportunities

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Uniforms provided

Work for dairy farm families

Employee referral program

Job summary

Richmond Beverage Solutions is seeking a certified lab technician to perform routine and specialized testing of materials and products to ensure compliance with quality standards. This role supports production by providing timely and accurate data, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting results in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

The position offers 3rd shift from 10pm-6:30am with overtime potential, requires 2 years of lab experience, and includes comprehensive benefits,

Qualifications

• 2 years of lab experience with HS diploma or 2-year college studies in microbiology, basic chemistry, and/or lab work.
• Able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background and criminal checks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a wet environment.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to a fast-paced production setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical, chemical, and microbiological testing as required.
• Record and analyze test results, reporting deviations or concerns.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure calibration schedules are followed.
• Assist in investigations related to product quality or process deviations.
• Follow safety, environmental and quality protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the lab and production areas.
• Prepare samples and perform plating for SPC, Coli, yeast, and mold.
• Adhere to GMPs and company policies.

Job description

Richmond Beverage Solutions has an immediate job opening for a certified lab technician. The Lab Technician is responsible for performing routine and specialized testing of materials and products to ensure compliance with quality standards. This role supports production by providing timely and accurate data, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting results in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Richmond Beverage Solutions is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners. At Richmond Beverage Solutions, we create dairy and plant-based beverages and are proud to provide families with fresh, delicious dairy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct physical, chemical, and/or microbiological testing as required.
• Record and analyze test results, reporting any deviations or concerns.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure calibration schedules are followed.
• Assist in investigations related to product quality or process deviations.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the lab and production areas.
• Basic microbiology and chemistry necessary in the lab.
• Sanitary procedures and methodology necessary in food processing quality control.
• FOSS FT-120 and CEM testing of mixes.
• The plating of milk and mixes for SPC, Coli, yeast, and mold.
• To standardize mixes, collection and taking line sample
• Able to form sound conclusions based on test results and initiate corrective actions in an expedient manner.
• Able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, to spend long hours on feet, to lift 50-pound dairy cases or boxes as required.
• Adhere to good manufacturing practices, safety regulations and other company policies.
• Accomplish other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 2 years of lab experience with HS diploma or 2-year college studies in microbiology basic chemistry, and or lab

• Must be able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background and criminal checks
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to flavor milk-based, sugar-based and caffeine-based products
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for virtually the entire shift
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, occasionally including overhead
• Must be able to effectively work in a team environment
• Must be able to work in a wet environment
• May occasionally be exposed to chemicals
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime as required, occasional weekends and holidays

OUR TECHNICIANS FOR THIS POSITION CAN MAKE UP TO:

• $20.39 per hour+

SCHEDULE: 3rd shift 10pm-6:30am M-F may include weekends and working an 8-12 hr shift

BENEFITS:

• 401(k) with company contribution*
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards*
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Uniforms provided
• Work for dairy farm families
• More benefits, too many to name

* varies by company and governing CBAs

An Equal Opportunity Employer

By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!