Lab Technician

Bongards Premium Cheese; Norwood Young America (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription Drug

Dental

Vision

PTO

401(k) with company match

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Profit Sharing

Internal Career Opportunities

Job summary

Bongards Premium Cheese in Norwood, MN is seeking a dedicated Lab Technician for the day shift to join our dairy processing facility. You will perform daily testing, salt and moisture analyses, fat testing, and sample prep for QC and analytics, with accurate documentation and data entry.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, strong arithmetic and organizational skills, and the ability to work safely with lab chemicals.

Qualifications

• Excellent arithmetic and reading skills generally acquired by a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Proven organizational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to perform computer data entry work.
• Familiar with safe handling of chemicals and reagents.
• Must report all food safety and quality concerns to immediate supervisor or their designated replacement.

Responsibilities

• Daily testing (Must be able to learn but not be limited to)
• Salt testing (Corning Analyzer)
• Moisture testing (Vacuum Oven, and Convection oven)
• Fat Testing (Babcock)
• Sample Preparation for Lab, QC, FOSS and FQ analyzers.
• Microbiological testing.
• Accurate documentation of test results and other associated paperwork.
• Electronic data entry and phoning of test results as necessary.
• Ability to learn and assist the Quality Assurance Technicians as needed.
• Maintenance of lab paperwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent arithmetic

Reading skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Computer data entry

Safe handling of chemicals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Corning Analyzer

Vacuum Oven

Convection Oven

Babcock fat testing

FOSS analyzers

Job description

Lab Technician – Norwood, MN

Be part of a legacy of excellence at Bongards Premium Cheese.

Who We Are

Since 1908, Bongards has been a leader in the dairy industry. As one of the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperatives in the U.S., we process millions of pounds of milk daily while staying true to our roots—delivering unparalleled quality at every step. Our success is built upon our core values of teamwork, hard work, integrity in all that we do, customer focus and a passion for excellence.

Job Details

Description

Lab Technician – Norwood, MN

Be part of a legacy of excellence at Bongards Premium Cheese.

Who We Are

Since 1908, Bongards has been a leader in the dairy industry. As one of the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperatives in the U.S., we process millions of pounds of milk daily while staying true to our roots—delivering unparalleled quality at every step. Our success is built upon our core values of teamwork, hard work, integrity in all that we do, customer focus and a passion for excellence.

Lab Technician Details

• Shift: Day Shift – 7 am to 3 pm Mon to Fri
• Top rate of pay: Hourly - $27 to $29

Position Summary: Bongards Premium Cheese is looking for a dedicated, dynamic and experienced individual to serve as a Lab Technician on the day shift at our Norwood Processing Facility.

What You’ll Do

• Daily testing (Must be able to learn but not be limited to)
• Salt testing (Corning Analyzer)
• Moisture testing (Vacuum Oven, and Convection oven)
• Fat Testing (Babcock)
• Sample Preparation for Lab, QC, FOSS and FQ analyzers.
• Microbiological testing.
• Accurate documentation of test results and other associated paperwork.
• Electronic data entry and phoning of test results as necessary.
• Ability to learn and assist the Quality Assurance Technicians as needed.
• Maintenance of lab paperwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Excellent arithmetic and reading skills generally acquired by a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Proven organizational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to perform computer data entry work.
• Familiar with safe handling of chemicals and reagents.
• Must report all food safety and quality concerns to immediate supervisor or their designated replacement.

Working Conditions

• Mainly a lab environment.
• Will be required to spend long periods of time standing while completing testing procedures.
• Job does require walking into the plant operations area.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to operate hand grinder for sample preparation.
• May require weekend and holiday work.

Why Join Us?

At Bongards, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of team work and continuous improvement. Our team shares a true passion for producing safe, high-quality dairy products. Here, your efforts are not just valued—they’re rewarded with opportunities for growth and success.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re passionate about quality, teamwork, and problem-solving, we’d love to hear from you.

For Your Contributions

• Hourly Pay Range: $27 to $29
• Medical – Prescription Drug – Dental – Vision
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) with company match
• Disability, life and voluntary insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Profit Sharing
• Internal Career Opportunities