Prairie Farms is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, founded in 1938 by Illinois dairy farmers. It represents over 600 independent family farms and produces a wide range of dairy and food products, including milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. The company is committed to quality, sustainability, and community support, with a goal of returning value to its farmer-owners and operating with integrity.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• FSA/HSA
• Vacation
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) + Matching
• Parental Leave

As a lab technician at Prairie Farms, the ideal candidate:

• Will work closely with ice cream & fluid production staff, team leaders and group leaders
• Will be responsible for completing microbiological testing of products and ingredients
• Will perform daily lab testing on ice cream
• Will be responsible for testing products according to customer requirements. Tests include, but not limited to, variegate checks, inclusions checks, weight verification, butterfat, total solids, TA, pH
• Will be responsible for collecting and shipping finished product samples for testing
• Will maintain product retention program
• Will be responsible for performing product evaluations/cuttings on ice cream products
• Will be responsible for microbiological plating and analyzing data
• Will update product information within the QDA System
• Will be responsible for product hold and release program
• Will be responsible for environmental monitoring and follow up on corrective actions
• Will monitor weight control program
• Will report any quality deviations with ingredients, packaging or finished product
• Will complete quality work orders
• Will report immediately any discrepancies or noncompliance issues as relates to regulatory requirements, customer specifications or Prairie Farms standards
• Will be required to help maintain the cleanliness and organization of laboratory testing areas and equipment
• Will be required to help establish and maintain ATP program for fillers and equipment and follow up on corrective actions
• Will be required to help maintain Allergen testing program and follow up on corrective actions
• Will follow all company safety rules and exercise due care in discharging duties
• Will be expected to learn and actively participate in activities designed to enhance Prairie Farms lean process to reduce waste throughout the company
• Must be willing to cross-train and perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must currently be qualified in the dairy lab or have equivalent degree or experience
• Must be willing and able to complete all duties in a timely manner
• Must be able to work independently
• Must be able and willing to learn and maintain proficiency in all requirements of this position
• Must have good communication and teamwork skills
• Strong math background is recommended
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently at the required pace and stay busy
• Must be able to lift 50lbs on a regular basis
• Must be able to maintain the highest sanitation and manufacturing standard

BIO-SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY POLICY:

Falsification of any records, misstatement of any results, or any willful act, which in any way jeopardizes the quality, value, or integrity of Prairie Farms products, will result in discipline including discharge and prosecution.