Lab Technician 2nd Shift

Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie and become part of a team known for producing award-winning cheese! We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, paid time off, and a stable four-day workweek. 

We are seeking a Lab Technician to join our team to help ensure the production of safe, high-quality dairy products our customers can trust. In this role, you will work closely with the Quality Assurance Supervisor and production teams to support food safety programs, monitor product quality, and promote a culture of teamwork, accountability,  a strong culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on work in a manufacturing environment, problem-solving, and making a direct impact on product and safety every day.

Pay & Schedule

• Starting Pay: $22.10 per hour, with compensation based on experience
• Pay increase after 120 days
• Shift: 2nd Shift
• Hours: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM 
• Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
• No weekends and Wednesday off!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and help maintain food safety and quality systems across the facility
• Perform lab testing, including cheese sampling, pH testing, microbiological plating, and equipment calibration
• Analyze and record quality data, and release product that meets specifications
• Assist with hold/release processes, including documentation and communication with production and warehouse teams
• Participate in GMP, environmental, glass/brittle plastic, and other facility audits while supporting corrective actions
• Conduct environmental testing including swabbing, air plates and water testing
• Support SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA, OSHA, Kosher, Halal, and other regulatory compliance programs
• Collaborate with production teams to promote a strong food safety and quality culture
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary lab environment
• Manage multiple responsibilities effectively while prioritizing urgent and time-sensitive tasks
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience
• Experience in food or dairy manufacturing preferred
• HACCP and/or SQF experience a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions using data and observations
• Self-directed with strong self-accountability, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize high-priority tasks and adapt to changing production needs
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 55 lbs
• Ability to perform sensory (organoleptic) product evaluations
• Visual ability including color differentiation and close/distance focus

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving equipment, and cleaning chemicals. The work environment can be loud, and hearing and eye protection is required in designated areas. 

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees -  you're family, and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years.  Our Menomonie, Wisconsin production facility manufacturers several varieties of small-batch artisan cheese, including our award-winning Red Rind Muenster, Wisconsin Brick and Hot Pepper Jack.  

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910. 

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.