Lab Technician - 3rd shift

About Us: 

The Michigan Milk Producers Association is a dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor. Founded in 1916, the MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

MMPA maintains a strong presence within the dairy industry with strategic business relationships through a variety of channels like processing shelf-stable, value added dairy products. MMPA has five member owned processing plants in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, including Superior Dairy and the Middlebury Cheese Company. Products made at MMPA’s plants include fluid milk, cheese, ultrafiltered milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream and condensed skim milk. 

Why you’ll love working here:

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Have thorough knowledge of product flow.
• Ability to read and understand written procedures, manuals, or the methodology of testing.
• Have good organizational skills. Attention to detail.
• Perform all duties and assignments in a safe and efficient manner, as stipulated by management.
• Completion and maintenance of any and all required logs, records, etc.
• Pass state examinations for certification and comply with all standards.
• Perform all lab functions and testing now being performed and future tests, and other duties as and when assigned.

• DMC (Direct Microscopic Count) – Bacteria test Raw Milk
• PAC (Petrifilm Aerobic Count) – Bacteria test
• DMSCC (Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count)
• Spore Testing – ATS, NTS & AMS
• Autoclave Use – Sterilize Equipment and Sterilizing Used Testing Material for Disposal
• Foss Automated - Component test (FT 1 and Food Scan)
• Mojonnier – Total Solids and Butterfat Testing for Calibrating Foss Automated Testing Equipment
• FDA and MDARD Certification requirements, including the 2400 Series of Laboratory Accreditation and Appendix N (Beta lactams)
• Plant thermometer calibrations 
• Plant environmental testing

• Awareness of and compliance with all HACCP, USDA, FDA, SQF, MDA, GMP, and Food Safety Standards.

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of automated testing equipment so that malfunctions can be quickly identified, and repairs efficiently completed.  This may include making some of these repairs independently or with the assistance of others.
• Document and report results in a timely, accurate and legible manner.
• Work cooperatively within lab team to complete required monthly lab responsibilities.
  • Rotating schedule when completing required monthly lab responsibilities.
• Assist in completing the required monthly lab responsibilities list.
• Identify and solve problems related to tests and equipment using solid technical knowledge.
• Maintain a safe work environment by personally following safety rules and practices.
• Participate in keeping the lab neat and clean:
  • Washing glassware.
  • Taking out the trash.
  • Maintain the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Lab Techs need to work independently but cooperatively in a group.
• Support and maintain ERP. 
• Attend training both on and off site as required and train new operators as necessary. This does include the training of new employees for their initial qualification and refresher training.
• Applicant must be fully qualified in accordance with current contract requirements as a lab technician. 
• Perform other duties, as assigned 

EDUCATION & WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work well with others.
• Operate dairy testing equipment.
• Perform chemistry and Microbiological testing.
• Must have good computer skills.
• Have completed all courses required in the lab apprentice program or equivalent college degree.
• Ability to work any shift, weekends, or holidays (our plants operate 24/7). Reliable and consistent attendance required. 
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.
• Follow good manufacturing practice regulations, which require gloves, hairnets, shoe covers and uniforms in working areas. Personal cleanliness is necessary to prevent product contamination. 
• Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food & Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).
• Ability to constantly stand/walk and to frequently bend/flex/twist/squat/carry for an 8-hour shift. Repetitive movements and tasks. Ability to lift, move, slide, and situate 55 pounds routinely. 
• Safety handle cleaning products and chemicals.
• Ability to read and understand standards operating procedures in a team environment.
• MUST be available to train and/or work on all three shifts. 

Prior experience in manufacturing or dairy is preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities. 

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. 

 MMPA is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees as one of our top priorities. As part of our commitment to your well-being and workplace safety, all applicants are required to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process. 

 We are not accepting unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or résumés from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies for this position.

MMPA is an equal opportunity employer. 

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