Quality Lab Technician (Dairy Manufacturer)

Ninth Avenue Foods is a fourth generation family-owned and operated company with a long-standing history of quality and service in the dairy industry. As innovation has lead to growth and success, family values and commitment to quality has remained the same. Come join our in Columbus, Indiana! Perform all Quality Assurance tasks required including laboratory testing and plant/facility Quality monitoring. Laboratory testing includes, but not limited to, microbiological, shelf-life, antibiotic, cryoscope, fat, moisture, and solids testing, as well as, allergen testing where appropriate. Plant/facility Quality monitoring includes, but not limited to, ATP swabbing, Air Quality Monitoring, Water Quality Monitoring, Environmental Pathogen Monitoring, Allergen Testing where appropriate, and raw material, work in process, and finished product sampling and monitoring. All tasks require proper documentation and record keeping consistent with the documentation control procedure outlined in the SQF system. Additionally, the Quality Systems Technician will be responsible in maintaining proper inventory of all laboratory items and supplies. This position is not limited to above description as other responsibilities may include tasks, projects, or plans given by Management.

Responsibilities:

• Routine component testing of incoming fluids (raw milk, skim, cream, etc) using FT-120 and/or

SMART TRAC

equipment

• Ensure compliance with antibiotic testing of all incoming raw milk and skim shipments
• Milk adulteration testing using cryoscope of all incoming raw milk shipments
• Microbiological testing as appropriate for raw materials, work in process, and finished products including SPC, coliform, and yeast/mold 3M Petrifilm plating
• Rapid micro/shelf-life testing utilizing Charm EPIC (ATP prediction testing)
• Sensory Evaluation of products during and at end of Shelf-Life
• Equipment pre-operational inspection including ATP swabbing
• Air quality monitoring within the facility using 3M Petrfifilm yeast/mold
• Water quality monitoring within the facility for coliform and TPC
• Environmental pathogen swabbing within the facility
• Allergen testing of equipment and products where appropriate
• Maintain proper inventory of all laboratory
• Maintain all proper documentation and records associated with responsibilities
• Coordinate with third-party laboratories as appropriate for sampling and testing necessary
• Assist Quality Systems Manager in other duties as needed
• Maintain laboratory as needed with regular cleaning
• Provide regular reports to Quality Systems Manager of testing and monitoring activities
• Must follow all proper Good Manufacturing Practices
• Maintenance and implement components of SQF System (Food Safety and Food Quality) as required.

Work/Education/Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years experience working in a food laboratory environment ( dairy/milk laboratory experience is preferred )
• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or other related field (preferred)
• Knowledgeable of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's)
• Strong understanding of microbiology (experience with microbiological testing preferred)
• Sensory experience (dairy products preferred)
• Troubleshoot and repair lab equipment as necessary

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks based on immediate and long-term objectives
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong ability to learn new tasks and concepts
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong computer skills working with Microsoft Office products, as well as, laboratory equipment software programs
• Self-starter and able to effectively work without close supervision
• Familiar with PMO and California State, and FDA (non-dairy) regulations

Training/Licensing/Certification Requirements:

• FDA Appendix N Antibiotic Trained/Licensed (Preferred)
• Good Laboratory Practices including Aseptic Sampling Techniques Trained (preferred) Work Task Requirements (Safety Requirements):
• Use of Personal Protective equipment (gloves, goggles) as necessary
• Proper footwear required to prevent slipping, tripping and/or falling
• Must use proper lifting techniques
• Able to work in both warm and cold environments for limited periods of time

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

Up to $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Experience:

food laboratory: 3 years (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Required) Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location:

In person