What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician position at Valley Queen?
Lab Technician – Dairy Products
Location: Milbank, SD
Schedule: Full-time | 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Rotating weekends (5-2-2-5 schedule)
About the Job
We’re looking for a careful and organized Lab Technician to help test our dairy products and keep our food safe and high-quality. You’ll collect samples, run tests, and record results using lab equipment.
What You’ll Do
Test dairy products like cheese, butter, and powdered milk.
Spot trends or issues if results are off and help figure out why.
Use and maintain lab machines and equipment.
Collect and prepare samples safely.
Send samples to outside labs if needed.
Do basic microbiology testing (like using Petrifilm or plating).
Handle chemicals safely.
Keep accurate records following lab standards.
Take part in training and practice testing.
Follow safety and hygiene rules (GMPs).
Help with special tasks like cheese grading, milk testing, and protein/fat analysis.
What We’re Looking For
Required:
High school diploma or GED
Basic computer skills
Preferred:
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field
2 years of lab experience in food processing
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Key Traits for Success
Honest and reliable
Good at problem-solving and communicating
Team player with a positive attitude
Flexible and motivated
Detail-oriented and willing to learn
Good at managing time
Work Environment
You’ll spend time in the lab, office, and production areas. You may be around noise, temperature changes, and some airborne particles.
5-2-2-5 rotating schedule
12-hour shifts on days, start and end times may vary.