Lab Tech

Why you will love working at Maola:

• Built on over a century of dedication Maola is always looking aheadinvesting in our people strengthening our communities and securing fresh local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity sustainability and a passion for providing fresh high-quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including Medical Dental Vision 401(k) with employer match Life Insurance paid time off and moreavailable within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are what you do and what you think matters.

SUMMARY
Follows procedure protocol and policy to perform standardized tests to determine quantity or food safety and quality of products to ensure compliance with company or government quality standards. Follows good laboratory and manufacturing practices to ensure quality of work and reliability of performance.

Work Schedule: Friday-Monday 11pm-10am

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates basic laboratory equipment such as pH meter auto-pipetters FTIR Charm Units 3M Petrifilm incubator
• Collects prepares and processes in-process and product samples for testing following standard procedures and protocols based on Standard Methods for the Examination of Milk Products but not limited to:
  • Antibiotic content
  • Butterfat
  • Total solids
  • Homogenization efficiency
  • Organoleptic testing for all milks from raw though shelf-life and end of code samples
  • Sediment testing
  • Viscosity
  • Titratable acidity on raw milk cream recycle milk products.
  • Pasteurization efficiency
  • Charm swab units
  • Direct microscopic counts
  • Standard plate counts
  • Total coliform counts
  • Yeast and mold counts
  • Other basic laboratory testing as required to support milk operations
• Conducts routine tests measurements and or non-routine testing per procedure and guidance:
  • Temperature weight and volume checks
  • Chemical concentration checks on various cleaning systems
  • Water Quality Testing
  • Environmental Testing (ATP Swabs)
  • Allergen Testing (Allergen Swabs)
  • Pre-Operation inspections on equipment and storage tanks
• Records and organizes data accurately in lab notebooks and/or digital systems
• Escalates out-of-compliance results as defined or guided
• Ensures compliance with laboratory procedures and policies
• Become certified and maintains certification for antibiotic testing through biennial on-site evaluation by the state LEO (Laboratory Evaluation Officer)
• Performance competency is measured and approved by LEO split sampling program.
• Performance competency meets internal split sample competency testing
• Maintains lab cleanliness sterilize equipment and management of supply inventory
• Performs routine housekeeping of laboratory countertops refrigeration units cabinets laboratory office area etc.
• Calibration of laboratory equipment and operations equipment as defined
• Follow safety protocols (OSHA etc.) and always wears required PPE in facility
• Perform site-wide GMP audits as assigned
• Performs and stays current with all required Alchemy and in-person training
• Assists with experiments research tasks troubleshooting task as requested
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of customer and consumer complaints
• Assists with investigation and troubleshooting of operational non-conformances
• Communicates and escalates non-conformances or issues as required in a timely manner
• Generates Certificate of Analysis or Certificate of Conformance as required per procedures

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of an Associates degree in biology chemistry biochemistry or related field or at least two years experience in a Lab/QA position working in a food chemical or agricultural manufacturing facility. Dairy facility preferred.
• Basic lab techniques working knowledge of PC based systems (Excel Word email etc.) data entry and familiarity with laboratory safety standards.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
  • Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels oral written visual and non-verbal ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately whether in-person or digitally.
• Customer Focused
  • Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
  • Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
  • Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
  • Act independently and decisively rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem-Solving
  • Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
  • Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical effective solutions.
• Collaboration
  • Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
  • Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal recognizing and valuing each persons contributions is fundamental to successful collaboration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach bend extend and lift 50-60 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.
• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.

Maola Local Dairiesis a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products. Maola processes milk cream butter and dry milk powders through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality freshness and love for the environment Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola please visit .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin disability veteran status or other legally protected status.