Lab Tech

Job Summary/Objective 

The Lab Technician is responsible for performing routine and specialized tests on raw materials, in-process, and finished dairy products to ensure quality and safety standards are met. This includes analysis of fat, protein, pH, total solids, and screening for antibiotics and aflatoxins. The role requires strict adherence to SOPs, GLP, HACCP, and UDA policies while maintaining data integrity, good lab practices, and a clean, sanitary work environment. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work 12-hour shifts including nights and weekends are essential.  

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Perform numerous tests on raw materials, in process, and final products to include: total solids, determination of fat, titratable acidity, pH, kjeldahl protein analysis, moisture testing, and quality analysis.  

• Perform antibiotic, and aflatoxin testing. 

• Provide accurate results and maintain data integrity  

• Required to participate in and pass proficiency exams 

• Interact with coworkers, drivers, operators, management, etc. in a respectful manner. 

• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area at all times. 

• Adhere to all SOP’s and HACCP guidelines. 

• Adhere to all UDA quality policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity 

• Adhere to all UDA safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity 

• Adhere to all UDA GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity 

• Other duties as required. 

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Qualifications: 
General Skills & Abilities needed to complete job successfully: 

• Possess excellent prioritizing skills. 

• Must be detail oriented. 

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required. 

• Requires ability to read, hear, speak, and comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions & Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 

• Complete understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDP)  

• Able to work with groups, collaborate with team members, and communicate   

• Confident in working safely with chemicals and lab equipment    

• Strong understanding of lab safety and willing to following guidelines at all times  

• Comply to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)  

Experience: (required)  

• General knowledge of dairy processing is helpful.  

• Science/lab background would be helpful. 

• Knowledge of food manufacturing practices. 

Experience: (preferred) 

• Food testing lab experience 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related field preferred 

Education/Certifications:

• High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent.  (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related field  (Preferred)

Work Environment & Demands 
Physical and environmental demands for this position are indicated below:  (check all that are applicable) 

Physical Demands: 

• Requires ability to walk and stand for 12 or more hours at a time.   
• Requires ability to safely operate equipment. 
• Requires ability to work safely within the laboratory environment.  
• Requires ability to visually observe the condition of surroundings. 
• Requires ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift and carry items up to 55lbs occasionally. 
• Requires ability to push and pull items occasionally up to 55lbs.  
• Requires ability to hear and speak and frequently hear and speak in very noisy environments. 
• Requires ability to work in confined spaces occasionally.  
• Requires ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals. 

Other Duties 
 

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job title.  This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.  Employees will be expected to perform duties that do not appear on the job description.  Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. 

EEO Statement:  

 
UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.