Cloverland Farms Dairy is seeking Lab Technician to work with our ESL (Extended Shelf Life) product. The candidate 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 to their customers.

Responsibilities Include

• 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.
• Communicates 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.

Skills/Qualifications/Requirements

• Experience in a Food manufacturing environment and/or lab, and knowledge of food safety.
• Minimum AS degree, BS preferred, in Dairy or Food Science, Biology or related science.
• Proficient in reading, writing and math required.
• Excellent written & oral communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization required.
• One (1) to two (2) years minimum demonstrated quality experience in a manufacturing environment, conducting inspections on the raw materials and packaging 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.

Work Schedule:

1st Shift : 4 AM.