Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; Pacific (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is hiring for a General Purpose role in Pacific, Missouri. The position involves ensuring the safety and quality of finished ice cream mix through analytical, sensory, and microbiological testing.

Additional responsibilities include operating lab instruments, maintaining documentation, and complying with all food safety and quality standards. Candidates should have relevant educational background and preferably some laboratory experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent coupled with food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related experience.
• Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in food or Dairy Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, incubate, move, and test samples efficiently.
• Perform sensory and quantitative analysis on production samples to verify specifications.
• Notify supervisor of any out-of-specification results immediately.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Chemistry, or Microbiology

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

General Purpose

Ensure the safety and quality of finished liquid ice cream mix by performing analytical, sensory, and microbiological testing. Support process control through CIP/COP verification, allergen testing, sanitizer checks, and instrument calibration review. Collect, organize, and test samples; manage incubation; and plate samples to detect microbial contamination. Accurately document and report results, promptly escalating out‑of‑spec findings, and deliver valid test results in a timely manner. Ensuring that products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, incubate, move, and test samples in a timely and efficient manner.
• Perform sensory and quantitative analysis on production sample to verify product specifications.
• Analyze taste, odor, color, pH, TA, particles, viscosity, Fat%, TS%, and homogenization of product samples.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
• Notify supervisor and production immediately of any out‑of‑specification results; enact out‑of‑spec procedures.
• Maintain and complete required documentation (paper and electronic) accurately and legible each shift.
• Participate in shift huddles to anticipate the required testing and prevent production delays due to QA.
• Analyze incubated products for presence of microbial biomarkers. Plate samples on petrifilm as required.
• Verify CIP/COP with ATP quick swabs.
• Perform daily cleaning and weekly inventory checks.
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Position may require the ability to work weekends and holidays.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent coupled with food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related work experience.
• Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in food or Dairy Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Preferred: Up to 1 year of food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance experience preferred.
• Obtaining certifications is mandatory for continued employment in this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiar with cGLP and all applicable laboratory equipment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and company computer systems.
• Understands and applies calculations used in laboratory analysis.
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and comply with state and federal regulations for product testing.
• Maintains accurate, legible, and organized records.
• Follows verbal and written instructions.
• Able to work with accuracy, attention to detail, and minimal supervision.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborates effectively, supports teamwork, and shares relevant information promptly.
• Identifies problems and reports issues appropriately.
• Able to read, write, and speak English.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans.