Quality Assurance Lab Technician (Night Shift)

Aurora-Organic-Dairy; Switzler (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Free Milk

Night shift differential

Tuition reimbursement

401(K) with company match

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Group Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Aurora Organic Dairy is seeking a Quality Assurance Lab Technician for the night shift in Columbia, MO.

The role ensures in-process and finished product quality and food safety, maintaining records and leading investigations into deviations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree in science preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing with emphasis in food and QFS preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report deviations to the supervisor.
• Collect and perform testing on finished product (butterfat, particle size, freezing point).
• Verify packaging at all stages and verify raw milk loads prior to receipt.
• Perform lab tests including ATP swabbing, H2O2 residual testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Maintain accurate lab records and calibrate equipment regularly.
• Lead investigations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Bachelors in science

Tools

Windows OS

MS Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Quality Assurance Lab Technician (Night Shift)

Columbia, MO, US

Salary Range: $21.00 To $23.00 Hourly

About Aurora Organic Dairy

Aurora Organic Dairy is committed to delivering organic dairy integrity, from cow to carton, to everyone, everywhere. Guided by our focus on animals, people, and planet, we produce high-quality organic dairy products while caring for our cows, supporting our employees, investing in our communities, and operating with responsible stewardship. Our team is driven by values that include organic commitment, compassion, teamwork, excellence, transparency, entrepreneurial thinking, and stewardship. At AOD, every role contributes to meaningful work that supports safe, high-quality food, a respectful workplace, and a more sustainable future.

Purpose

The QA Lab Technician is responsible for in-process and finished product quality and food safety, maintaining accurate records, leading investigations and plays a primary role with ensuring the highest standard of our products.

• All plant personnel have the responsibility to monitor and report any deviations from our food safety and quality programs to your immediate supervisor.
• Collect and perform testing on finished product at designated time periods including, but not limited to: butterfat, particle size, and freezing point.
• Verify packaging is correct at all stages.
• Verify raw milk loads prior to receipt.
• Perform visual inspections, ATP swabbing, and H2O2 residual testing.
• Perform sensory evaluations on finished product.
• Perform daily calibration checks and maintenance on lab equipment.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory testing records.
• Lead role in identifying deviations related to quality or food safety, conducting investigations, identifying root cause and implementation of corrective actions.
• Prepare various chemicals for use in a safe manner.
• Perform various testing and verifications as needed including, but not limited to: allergens, rework, slurries, and CIPs.
• Collect and perform testing on barn samples provided by each load received for components, herd health, and microbial growth.
• Perform plating primarily using the petri-film method and maintain a clean work area.
• Pipette incubated samples to be tested using EPIC (a bioluminescence system which detects ATP).
• Perform weekly cleaning of lab area and other assigned MSS items.
• Plays a key role in driving awareness around QFS, Sanitation and GMPs.
• Participate in the site's food safety walk through program with identifying.
• Hold responsibilities in helping keep the site SQF, FDA and SMB audit ready at all times.
• Any additional tasks delegated by the Quality Supervisor or Quality Manager.

Skills and Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's degree in science field preferred.
• Experience: Manufacturing experience with an emphasis in food and QFS preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Windows and Office preferred.
• Skills: Good communication skills. Ability to prioritize and multi-task is required.

The Quality Assurance Lab Technician works primarily in a laboratory setting within a manufacturing facility. The work environment includes exposure to typical manufacturing conditions such as noise, temperature variation, and the presence of food-grade chemicals and cleaning agents. The lab area requires adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and food safety protocols at all times. The role involves frequent movement between the lab and the production floor and may require working in refrigerated or temperature-controlled areas.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Must be able to reach, grasp and lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Aurora Organic Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and our commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

• Company provided PPE (boots, uniforms, cold weather gear, gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses)
• Free Milk
• Night Shift Differential
• Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship Program
• 401(K) plans with company match
• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Group Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity