Sr. Lab Technician

Why you will love working at Maola:

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing 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 more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

SUMMARY: Plans and schedules testing activities, collects samples and performs quality tests on raw bulk ingredients, purchased products and processed milk, cream and other finished products. Informs on-sight Supervisor, QA Manager, and Plant Manager of any variations from quality standards and ensures that the nonconformance has been corrected. Ensures all receiving materials, in-process product and outbound product adheres to HP Hood, LLC quality standards.

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.

• Completes laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.
• Pulls, logs and completes finished product and processing sample testing for all specification requirements on each product at the established sampling frequency. Physical, biological, chemical and organoleptic testing includes but is not limited to: butterfat and solids (Babcock, Lactoscope and CEM), cryoscope, temperature, acidity, homogenization efficiency, DMC, gram stains, agar/petrifilm plating, rapid-methods bioluminescence (EPIC), weights, code date verification, seal checks, pH, brix, coffee feathering, whipping, peroxide residuals, flavor, odor, appearance and shelf life analysis.
• Uses experience to make determinations as to the suitability of raw materials and finished products elevating to Quality management where necessary. Troubleshoots basic analytical equipment issues.
• Maintains certification by state for Beta-Lactam antibiotic testing to the Industry Supervisor level. Sets up negative and positive control points for Charm SLBL.
• Maintains runs and notates daily butterfat and solids standards on analysis equipment. Performs calibration of testing equipment where necessary.
• Maintains calibration of thermometers, pipettes and scales per regulatory requirements to ensure accuracy of ongoing checks. Maintains accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers and incubators.
• Measures and maintains records of vitamin usage.
• Sets up cryoscope baseline measurements for lactose reduced products.
• Completes tank inventory recording butterfat, solids, acidity and DMC at the specific frequency per management.
• Verifies non-conforming product (raw or finished), properly windows and tags affected product, issues hold reports and samples at time of hold from affected units where applicable. Coordinates resampling of hold product and completion of product disposition.
• Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up by thorough inspection and proper ATP swabbing. Maintains detailed records.
• Maintains laboratory supply inventory notifying Laboratory Foreman upon need.
• Audits CIP chemical concentrations for the various CIP systems to ensure compliance to company specifications.
• Conducts environmental testing throughout facility including but not limited to: ATP swabbing, Listeria genus swabbing, air quality monitoring, water sampling, captive water sampling, etc.
• Collects and ships requested product samples for R&D or customers/sales.
• Ensures all laboratory documentation (forms, SOPs, etc.) is current and properly completed by lab personnel.
• Trains Quality technicians and ensures that performance of testing meets all regulatory and internal specifications.
• Maintains shelf life/retain bossies in a clean, orderly manner.
• Maintains laboratory in a clean and organized manner per Master Cleaning Schedule which includes removal of trash, consolidation and organization of supplies, cleaning counters, windows and testing equipment, mopping floors, etc.
• Responsible to assist in the training of new hires, transfers, etc.
• Any and all duties as directed by QA supervision and/or management.
• All employees are expected to support the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program by following food safety and quality procedures, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, and reporting any concerns. Team members must understand their role in the SQF System, complete required training, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement to ensure safe, high-quality products.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s in Science preferred; Associates of Science and/or 75+ credit hours towards the attainment of a Bachelor’s in Science required.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to work well with people.
• Ability to maintain internal certifications by completing test-specific proficiency testing.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently.

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.
• Accountability
  • Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
  • Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.
• 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 person’s 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 accommodation 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 ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation 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 Dairies is 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 www.maolamilk.com.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.