Lab Technician

Model Dairy, a leading supplier and distributor of high-quality award-winning dairy products, is looking for a talented Laboratory Technician, to join our winning team out of the Reno, Nevada location. The Lab Technician has key responsibilities associated with the laboratory and plant/facility Quality and Food Safety monitoring.

Working closely with other functional areas such as receiving, processing, production, and supply chain, the Lab Technician helps to ensure the quality sampling, laboratory, and results from testing are within specification and in compliance with the food safety and quality system. The Lab Technician will be responsible for demonstrating our Model Dairy Core Values and carrying out our purpose of Nourishing Lives.

Essential Functions

Approaching work with a Continuous Improvement (CI) mindset, and engaging in Model Dairy's Mission Statement to identify, value, prioritize, resource, and sustain improvement opportunities. Owning and promoting a Safety Culture by ensuring a safe work environment and promoting proper safety behavior. Microbiological testing as appropriate for raw materials, work in process, and finished products including: SPC, PI, TPC, Coliform, and Yeast/Mold.

Sensory evaluation of products during and at end of Shelf-Life. Equipment pre-operational inspection including ATP swabbing. Air quality monitoring within the facility. 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 items and supplies. Maintain all proper documentation and records associated with responsibilities. Coordinate with third-party laboratories as appropriate for sampling and testing necessary. Provide summary reports to management of testing and monitoring activities. Maintain all documented information as per SQF requirements.

Maintain laboratory as needed with regular cleaning. Must follow all proper Good Manufacturing Practices. Assist Quality Assurance Manager in other duties as needed. Ensure food safety and quality standards are always maintained and any issues are reported to management. Competencies: Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks based on immediate and long-term objectives.

Strong interpersonal skills: professional, courteous, friendly, empathetic. Detail oriented, with an ability to prioritize in a fast-paced production environment. Strong computer skills Self-starter and able to effectively work without close supervision.

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferred) Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in a food laboratory environment (food laboratory experience is preferred) High school diploma or GED required. Knowledgeable of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP’s) Strong understanding of microbiology. Troubleshoot and repair lab equipment, as necessary.

Model Dairy offers its employees a team-oriented work environment, competitive salary, and an excellent benefit package including medical/dental/vision benefits and 401(k) retirement plan. Model Dairy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Model Dairy participates in E-Verify.