Lab Technician

Cloverland Farms Dairy is seeking a Lab Technician to work at our Baltimore MD location.  The Lab Technician will be part of a High Performance team that largely manages its own work (self-directed). Teams are responsible for keeping production flowing, meeting performance goals, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, and maintaining a high level of quality and service for their customers.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Samples raw ingredients and packaging materials as they enter the plant and within the facility. 
• Examines and tests ESL line samples and accurately records results both on paper and in the computer. Maintains the incubation of samples and the release testing of samples.
• Performs initial trouble shooting activities for operational issues (i.e. foreign material findings, supplier issues, weight issues, etc.)  Issues Quality Notifications for materials that are out of specification.
• Provides troubleshooting support to the production departments by investigating issues that adversely affect product quality or manufacturing efficiency by recommending potential solutions. 
• Communicate problems and test results to the appropriate personnel. 
• Performs consistent line audits throughout the production run, for finished products (weight, temperature, labeling, coding, appearance, etc.).
• Perform physical analytical sampling and testing of raw ingredients, packaging materials and finished goods dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
• Perform microbiological/bacteriological sampling and testing of dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
• Identify and effectively communicate any out-of-specification analytical test results. Follow established notification protocol.
• Routinely collect product samples from production lines as outlined by testing timeline guidelines.
• Exceptional organizational skills in order to maintain all QC records and filing.
• Accurately and neatly complete analytical testing documents.
• Ability to prepare various stock solutions used in the laboratory.
• Calibrate and maintain all lab testing equipment.
• Perform environmental control swabbing after clean-up and CIP/SIP. Report any deviations.
• Knowledge of customer feedback investigation process.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Support mock and product recall program guidelines.
• Prepare and process production records to isolate any out of specification product including any product deviations from standard, on-hold, regulatory holds, etc.
• Must be proficient with all quality control functions throughout the facility.
• Knows company policies, standards, specifications and safety policies.
• Must be able to complete and pass specific State regulatory and other licensing/certificate requirements, including Appendix N raw milk testing, HACCP, Internal Auditing, Food Safety PCQI.
• Perform good laboratory housekeeping within established housekeeping guidelines.
• Familiarity with GMP’s and GLP’s.
• Comply with all Quality Assurance Procedures (QAP's).
• Contributes to continuous improvement projects.
• Assist in answering technical questions about our ingredients, products, and processing facilities.
• Works well with peers and management at all levels, in a professional manner.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the QA Managers and QA Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum AS degree is required.  BS is preferred in Dairy or Food Science, Biology or related science.
• One to two years minimum demonstrated quality experience in a manufacturing environment, conducting inspections on the raw materials and packaging required.
• Experience in a Food manufacturing environment and/or lab, and knowledge of food safety.
• Proficient in reading, writing and math required.                                           
• Excellent written & oral communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization required.                              
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy is required.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to business needs required.
• Strong interpersonal and customer relations skills required.
• Must be comfortable and capable of working in a multi-task, deadline oriented and customer driven environment.
• Color Vision (ability to detect color) This is due the need to compare color differences in product and packaging material on a daily basis.
• Safety is a priority for the quality team. This person must be able to work safely, recognize concerns, and address the concerns to prevent accidents.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food Safety.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications required. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with assistance and kneel, bend, squat, reach, grip, push, pull and perform elevated work.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions (hot, cold, wet).
• Allergens: We prepare products with milk ingredients. Team members must be able to work with this ingredient and participate in sensory.

Work Schedule

• 4:00am - 12:00pm Sunday and 6:00am - 2:00pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and 7:00am - 3:00pm Saturday.  Off days are Tuesday and Wednesday 
• 10:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Thursday.  Off days are Friday and Saturday
• 100% on-site - 2701 Loch Raven Rd, Baltimore MD 21218

Pay Rate

• $21.16/hr, night shift differential of $0.50/hr and overtime opportunity

We offer a competitive benefit pack to include medical, dental and vision benefits for single and family coverage is available on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.  The cost is 100% company paid.  Additional benefits include short-term disability, basic life insurance, paid time off and 401(k).  

Cloverland Farms Dairy is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment applicants offered a position will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result, and confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify.