Ice Cream Research & Development Technician

Idaho Milk Products; Idaho; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation

Holiday Pay

PTO

401(k) match

Job summary

Idaho Milk Products operates a new state-of-the-art Milk Innovation Center (MIC) where an Ice Cream R&D Laboratory Technician will collaborate with technical staff to develop high-quality ice cream and frozen dessert products. Responsibilities include data collection, prototype making, calibrating lab equipment, and supporting pilot-scale trials.

The role emphasizes developing laboratory methods, improving operations, and maintaining ingredients and chemicals for trials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
• 1–2 years of laboratory or production experience preferred; dairy lab is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; valid driver's license and clean DMV record.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab testing and data entry for ice cream products.
• Support pilot-scale trials and production testing according to plan.
• Maintain inventory of lab chemicals and ingredients and ensure proper storage.
• Follow safety SOPs and GMP/GHP guidelines in daily activities.
• Assist with documentation and record-keeping for R&D experiments.

Job description

HOURS:

• Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Subject to change according to business needs

BENEFITS:

• We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Ice Cream R&D Laboratory Technician will work in a brand new, state-of-the-art Milk Innovation Center (MIC). In this role, the employee will interact with Idaho Milk Products’ technical staff to ensure safe, high-quality ice cream and frozen dessert product development work is delivered. The technician performs: data collection and entry, project assistance, prototype making, maintains calibration on laboratory and pilot scale equipment/instruments, and performs routine testing of ice cream and frozen dessert samples. He or she will be involved in developing laboratory methodology and improving laboratory operations, as well as maintaining the stock of chemicals and ice cream ingredients needed for product development trials. This position is also involved in pilot scale trials to produce ice cream and frozen desserts. He or she will be involved in keeping an inventory of ice cream and allied product ingredients, weighing recipes according to formulation, developing ice cream and frozen dairy products, sampling, handling, packaging and storage of finished products. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a cutting-edge greenfield project, playing a key role in building a state-of-the-art ice cream facility. The position offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and professional growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITES:

Lab management and testing

• Conducts prompt and accurate tests of ice cream and frozen desert products to support timely reports.
• Demonstrates and conducts necessary rechecks and product screening.
• Follow laboratory practices– periodic maintenance of apparatus, labelled chemicals, reagents and solutions and follow approved SOPs for lab activities to support applications for research and development.
• Maintain inventory of chemicals, consumables, ice cream ingredients and lab equipment.
• Conduct sampling and testing of ice cream and frozen dairy products available in the market.

Plant Trials & Production Support

• Verify ice cream and frozen dessert inventory, weigh ingredients according to formulation and follow SOPs and instructions from R&D scientists.
• Support ice cream and frozen desserts production trials according to schedule plan.
• Conduct in process sampling and follow SOPs for handling, packaging and storage of ice cream and frozen products.
• Follow hygiene and sanitation practices, according to SOPs.
• Assist R & D Scientist in record keeping and documentation

Other Compliance

• Follow established policies and procedures such as GHP, GLP, OSHA, Safety Regulations, and GMP.
• Maintains security and confidentiality of information.
• Performs other tasks assigned

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Required: High school diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.

Experience:

• Preferred: 1-2 years of experience as a laboratory technician, or production staff, or equivalent experience.
• Dairy lab experience is a big plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with application of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and maintain an acceptable Department of Motor Vehicle record in accordance with company insurance requirements.
• Ability to drive from one location to another throughout the work week.
• Ability to read basic operating instructions and food labels.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate all reports and operate machinery.
• Highly self-motivated individuals who is comfortable working individually while managing multiple tasks efficiently to meet defined deadlines.
• Demonstrates sound communication skills, both verbal and written, while communicating effectively with various levels of management.
• Strong attention to detail is required.
• Able to work in teams effectively and encourage a positive work environment.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively troubleshoot and use problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates ability to ensure all documentation is timely, accurate, and complete.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts, accept and embrace change, and be an active member of operating the business.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: Must be able to stand for long periods of time to perform necessary testing.
• Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees occasionally.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Subject to up to at least 92db’s on an occasional basis.
• Lifting: Able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.
• Will require lifting, mobility, and stamina to complete assignments.