Lab Technician

We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high-quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment.

Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hire-top-notch talent who share our company's commitment to our customers and a passion for making the country's finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients.

Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full-time employees and their dependents.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Educational Reimbursement
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.)
• Free cheese!

Summary of Functions:

The Lab Technician will be responsible for biological and chemical evaluation of final product, intermediate products, raw materials, and production facilities. Duties include performing quality assurance analysis and assisting in the validation of Quality Assurance analysis. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures. Performs tests on raw, in-process, and finished products to ensure compliance with local, State, Federal and Company requirements.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform bacteriological, physical, chemical and other tests on raw and finished product.
• Collect necessary samples from Production floor.
• Prepare slides and incubate slides with cell cultures.
• Examine chemical and biological samples in order to identify cell structures and to locate bacteria, or extraneous material, using microscope.
• Record and compile test results, and prepare graphs, charts, and reports.
• Analyze test results to classify products, or compare results with standard tables.
• Monitor silo temperatures.
• Verify compliance and alert QA manager of any deviations from specifications.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping in the lab.
• Work with Production personnel to ensure test results are obtained in a timely manner.
• Maintain all lab records and equipment in neat and orderly manner.
• Communicate effectively with lab supervisor and production personnel.
• Conduct air quality testing around all processing areas.

Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities:

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, FSMA and SQF regulations.
• Comply with GMP’s in the plant.
• Conduct all monitoring activities to assure finished product comply with food safety and quality specifications.
• Participates in the yearly review of the food safety system.
• Assist in the maintenance of Food Safety and Quality system.

Organizational Relationships:

Position reports to the QA Manager.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required, Science Degree Preferred.
• 4 plus years of lab experience, preferably for a manufacturing environment.
• Good working knowledge of GMP regulations.
• Excellent teamwork and strong communication skills.
• Attentive to detail.
• Ability to work independently and achieve problem resolution with minimal supervision.
• Competent in use of Microsoft Office programs.
• Basic understanding of food production.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the 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.

• Effectively handle lifting of various objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee will be required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb stairs.
• The position requires standing for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is very loud. Ear plugs are provided for safety.
• Regular exposure to elements such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold, or chemicals.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee regularly works inside and outside in all different types of weather elements.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Joseph Gallo Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer / EEO