Lab Technician

ABOUT UDA:
United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizona's finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Our motto at UDA is “United in Excellence.” The dairy industry's success isn't built on one dairy or brand, its built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, you're not just joining a business, you're joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.

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 8-hour shifts including nights and weekends are essential.  

The schedule for this position will be fixed 5 days a week, ideally from 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and is to include Saturday's and Sunday's.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Assist in Lab responsibilities related to the Butter operation, which includes, but is not limited to, sampling, sorting, compositing, and performing chemical and microbiological tests on finished and in-process butter samples.  

• Aseptically handle and composite powder samples for microbiological and chemical testing. 

• 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:

Skills & Abilities:

• Possess excellent prioritizing skills. 

• Must be detail oriented. 

• Must be able to work 8-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:

• General knowledge of dairy processing is helpful.
• Science/lab background would be helpful.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing practices.

Education/Certifications: 

• High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 often.
• Requires ability to push and pull items frequently up to 55lbs. 
• Requires ability to climb ladders and stairs of various heights including floors of 100ft or more. 
• Requires ability to hear and speak and frequently hear and speak in very noisy environments.
• Requires ability to work in varying extreme hot, cold, and wet temperatures and conditions.
• Requires ability to work in confined spaces occasionally.
• Requires ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Shift Pay Differential
• Education Assistance
• On-site Fitness Center
• On-Site Health Clinic

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.

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