Lab Technician

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.

• 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.

• 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 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