Night Lab Technician

Dairy Farmers of America; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Garden City, KS, is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to assist the Quality Manager in monitoring, testing, and ensuring product quality in our dairy facility. You will follow GMPs, work with production and quality teams, maintain records, tests, and sampling, and participate in continuous improvement while upholding safety and sanitation standards.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 1-year lab experience preferred, and certifications like Kansas

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Two-year Applied Science Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology preferred.
• 1 year of experience in a food laboratory preferred.
• Kansas Department of Agriculture Sampler Certification.
• Certified Industry Analyst certification for PMO Appendix-N testing of Drug Residue in Milk.

Responsibilities

• Follow GMPs and comply with regulatory food safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with standards.
• Maintain environmental swab sampling and laboratory inventory levels.
• Document laboratory values and monitor technician performance.
• Support continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in the facility and lab.
• Collaborate with quality and production teams to uphold one-team culture.
• Protect company assets and handle information securely.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Regulatory compliance

Quality control

Teamwork

Communication

Confidentiality

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Applied Science Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology

Job description

General Purpose

Assist the Quality Manager to assure product quality by supporting the monitoring, observing, and testing process. Promote best practices and a discipline to standard work. Work closely and in partnership with quality and the production team to build one-team with one purpose.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all DFA Good manufacturing procedures (GMP'S) and work in a manner consistent with all the corporate and regulatory food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations
• Ensure all policies and procedures for the Safe Quality Food initiative, Organic food, FDA, USDA, KSA, and GMA SAFE are followed
• Maintain environmental swab sampling to ensure plant cleanliness
• Ensure all customer specific policies, procedures, and specifications are followed
• Properly test incoming and outgoing product for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
• Notify plant supervision and management in any out of range value or variation from accepted norms in operation or product quality
• Maintain individual state and/or federal licenses
• Perform preventative maintenance, function verification, and quality control tasks
• Continuously look for continuous improvement and process improvement
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility and laboratory
• Monitor laboratory operations, documenting and correcting discrepancies identified in technician performance
• Document laboratory values as required in plant records
• Manage sample retention and laboratory inventory levels
• Perform all other duties deemed appropriate, necessary, required, or directed by the Quality Assurance Manager and Plant Manager
• Safeguard and protect all company assets
• Make decisions in a timely manner
• Anticipate problems and implement solutions
• Demonstrate sound judgment in safeguarding customer, company, vendor, and employee information
• Use skills and talent to contribute to organizational success
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees, and peers
• Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Two-year Applied Science Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or Microbiology preferred
• 1 year of experience in a food laboratory preferred
• Certification and/or License -
• Kansas Department of Agriculture Sampler Certification
• Certified Industry Analyst certification for PMO Appendix-N testing of Drug Residue in Milk

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of and skill with company computer systems
• Must be able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Ability to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
• Able to work well with all types of people
• Able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to promote a positive, creative, and professionally pleasant work environment
• Able and willing to engage in continuous improvement
• Able to adapt to changing situations and willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned
• Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans