Lab Technician at Midland Farms Inc. – Menands, New York

Performs and documents testing of materials and finished dairy and other beverage products.

• Performs microbiological analysis of raw materials and finished products.
• Responsible for hold/release/rejection of finished goods.
• Performs chemical analysis of raw materials and manufactured products.
• Performs Appendix N Testing and is licensed to do so. Understands the Process to Follow when positive results are found.
• Verifies compliance and alerts QA Manager/Supervisor of any deviations from specifications.
• Performs in-plant weight checks and code verification every hour, conducts cooler temperature checks, evaluates finished product appearance, pH testing and TA testing.
• Perform calibration and scheduled preventative maintenance on lab equipment and thermometers on tanks/ silos.
• Helps maintain tanker arrival and departure times
• Responsible for daily finished product evaluations.
• Performs sensory evaluation of raw material and finished products.
• Performs environment testing and fills out proper documentation.
• Sends out samples as needed and facilitates sending out Vitamin Samples.
• Must follow all safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Must follow companies GMP’s, SOP’s, and SSOP’s at all times.
• Must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Periodically conducts GMP Audits throughout the Plant
• Sets up and follows a Program to monitor bottle volumetrics from the blow mold.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Performs testing at End of Code and Conducts Shelf-Life Studies.
• Notifies management immediately of any product deviations

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, Midland Farms will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors' degree or equivalent work experience in a Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry.
• Prior experience in laboratory environment required.
• Experience in Microsoft Office and Excel required.
• Ability to read chemical labels and follow safe handling procedures for food grade products.
• Must be able to work weekends, and varying shifts (days, evenings, nights).
• Must be able to pass all medical exams, drug and background checks.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• College degree preferred in a job-related field of study (i.e., Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry).
• Experience within the food and beverage industry preferred.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
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.

• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel and bend required for virtually the entire shift.
• Must be able to work in a wet environment. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. Exposure to nut allergens.