**Job Description** DFA Dairy Brands Dallas has an immediate job opening for a Sr. Lab Technician to perform microbiological and chemical testing of finished products, raw materials, and associated items, while adhering to food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and SQF requirements. The person in this position would need to maintain all applicable standard operating procedures, while utilizing a continuous improvement mindset, and assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes. while adhering to food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and SQF requirements. The person in this position would need to maintain all applicable standard operating procedures, while utilizing a continuous improvement mindset, and assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes. The Laboratory Technician is responsible for monitoring the quality of all products manufactured at Oak Farms Dairy. Quality monitoring is accomplished by performance of analytical testing of raw materials, products in manufacturing process stage and finished products. **Job Description** **General Purpose:** Test all raw, intermediate, and finished products as well as collecting and testing environmental samples according to established procedures. Discover and prevent defects and improve quality. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Perform tasks related to the testing of products, setting of samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Test and inspect products at various stages of the batching and production process. Compile and evaluate data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Use gauges and other devices to verify conformity to standards of products being tested. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure that products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards. **Job Duties and Responsibilities:** · Ensure quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specification and quality standards + Perform receiving lab duties including weighing trucks, observing sample collections, and preparation of receiving tickets. + Evaluate truck shipments for acceptance based upon established criteria. + Complete entry into the computer systems and generate requested reports. + Prepare chemical solutions and media required for laboratory testing. Sterilize equipment as needed. + Perform butterfat and total solids tests on fluid milk; cream and condensed. + Maintain lab records of samples, test results, and lab quality control measures in an up-to-date, legible, and accurate manner ensuring the accuracy of results. + Certify that finished product is suitable for sale by meeting government and customer specifications. Ensure cleanliness and organization of the lab and the integrity of all testing results. + Perform basic microbiology and environmental sampling as required. + Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive. + Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements. + Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment. + Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity. + Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF). + 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. + · Properly test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards + · Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up + · Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed + · Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trend + · Maintain lab records as directed. Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and completely with required information. Complete data entry into the computer system(s). Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures. + Prepare reports of results + · Maintain process control by monitoring and/or generating statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor + · Participate in task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies + · Perform daily cleaning of task area keeping work area free of clutter. During CIP (Clean in Place), perform detail cleaning in task areas. Wash lab utensils and glassware; assist with other clean-up activities. + · Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues + · Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements + · 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. **REQUIREMENTS:** **_Education and Experience_** + High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) + Prefer two year applied science degree in Food Science, Dairy Science or Microbiology + 1 year experience in a food laboratory or similar role **Certification and/or License** : + Approved as a Texas Industry Analyst for Appendix N Testing Program or able to obtain within 45 days of employment. Participate in necessary programs annually to maintain approval. + Must be able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background, and criminal checks. **Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities** + Familiarity with all applicable laboratory equipment + Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems. + Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis. + Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products. + Able to keep good records (record keeping skill) + Able to follow directions. + Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail. + Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing + Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others. + Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions. + Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision. + Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. + Effective verbal and written communication skills + Ability to flavor milk-based, and sugar-based products. + Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for virtually the entire shift. + Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, occasionally including overhead. + Must be able to effectively work in a team environment. + Must be able to work in a wet environment. + May occasionally be exposed to chemicals. + Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime as required, occasional weekends and holidays. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:** + Exhibit Good Documentation and Laboratory Practices. + Perform online quality control checks of all production lines. + Determine Quantity Control Parameters. Monitor package fill volumes/weights to ensure compliance with label declarations. + Code verification of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging if applicable. + Perform quality control monitoring of lab and plant systems. + Monitor scales used for weight verification. + Perform environmental monitoring of production areas. + Monitor temperatures of equipment utilized for methods or processes in which temperature is a critical factor or step. + Maintain sample retention library. + Receive and track analytical reagents, thermometers, and other laboratory supplies. + Change incubation room charts. + Perform general cleaning per laboratory sanitation requirements. + Recognize and respond to unexpected test results, errors, and discrepancies. + Calibrate pH meters and perform pH measurement. + Ability to read and comprehend oral and written instructions and effectively communicate information in one-on-one settings. + Visual color discrimination, general vision of 20/40 or better with or without corrective lenses. + Employees are expected to act in a manner that is professional and appropriate for representing the company. + Perform any other work duties as assigned. **Duties and Responsibilities** 1. Daily testing of incoming raw milk, utilizing: + Charm SL antibiotic test equipment. + Cryoscope + Titratable acidity/auto Titrator + Flavor + FT120 Auto-analyzer + Microbiological analyses 1. Testing of all “batched” products during processing, utilizing: + FT120 Auto-analyzer + pH meter + Titratable acidity/auto Titrator + Ascorbic Acid tester 1. Testing of all finished product line samples, utilizing: + FT120 Auto-analyzer + Cryoscope + Emulsion analyzer + Titratable acidity/auto Titrator + Microbiological Testing 1. Daily sensory evaluation of finished products and shelf-life samples. 2. Calculating and reporting results of individual shifts to daily average sheets. 3. Use of omni-note machine to convey test results of production on a timely basis. 4. Entering of data on computerized laboratory information system. 5. Performs other duties on special projects as directed by Quality Assurance Manager. **_Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities_** + Able to read, write, and speak English. **Physical Demands:** + The quality lab tech pulls finished products from the line to ensure the quality of the product and its containers. + Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, occasionally including overhead. + Must be able to stand the majority of the work shift (8 hr./shift). **Working Conditions** Laboratory Technician works in the quality control lab when performing tests on products. Lab is located on the second floor of the plant across an outside alleyway from the production facility. Technicians gather samples from the production room throughout the work shift. Technicians must be able to carry product samples up the stairs to the lab for analysis. Laboratory Technician must be self-directed to perform duties on a timely basis. Multi-task ability is required as technician serves as point of contract person for production personnel while performing a multitude of analysis. Technicians interface with production personnel and supervisors in notification of test results. Technicians interface with regulatory personnel to acquire samples from product area and vault storage cooler. Laboratory is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Technicians must be flexible with hours or work on weekends when scheduled. **BENEFITS:** + 401(k) with company contribution* + Competitive pay + Paid vacation and holidays* + Career growth opportunities – we promote from within! + Comprehensive healthcare benefits + Service recognition and employee rewards* + Employee referral program + Tuition reimbursement* + Uniforms provided. + Work for dairy farm families. **Pay: Based on experience $21-$25/HR** **Requirements** An Equal Opportunity Employer