Lab Technician

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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Laboratory Technician based in Merrill, WI.

Starting Wage: $25.00 per hour

JOB Summary

The Lab Technician is responsible for the overall safety and quality of all cheese products made at our facility; this includes all required lab testing such as milk, cream and other ingredients used in the various processes. Tests will ensure conformance with government and company specifications. Performed job duties will adhere to all Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices.

WORK Schedule

• Monday through Friday starting at 7:00 a.m.
• Weekend is minimal; every 3rd Sunday (eligible for $1.50 per hour weekend premium)

JOB Duties

• Perform analytical tests such as moisture, pH, salt, fat, and protein
• Perform bacteriological tests including standard plate counts
• Conduct daily product review and tests reporting nonconformity issues to Quality management
• Obtain proper certification required to conduct milk and cream testing
• Maintain state laboratory licensing by completing required lab records
• Must be able to set-up, maintain and calibrate lab equipment
• Perform all testing using the proper PPE
• Keep work area clean and organized; perform end of the day cleaning duties per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain a safe work environment by following safety rules and procedures, using sound judgement for immediate action in reporting or correcting unsafe acts and/or hazards.

JOB Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required
• Associates degree in Dairy or Biological Science is preferred
• A minimum of two years experience in quality and/or laboratory analysis within a food industry is preferred.
• Advanced level of analytical and mathematical skills
• Able to perform a multitude of tasks and possess good organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy is required.

Candidate must have the following attributes/skills; strong attention to detail and accuracy, personal qualities of tact and dependability with ability to work in a team environment. Must be able to stand and/or walk an average of 8 hours per day; use a step ladder and lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.