Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business. We represent hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located in seven Midwest states, and we produce about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter in plants across our network every year. "We Bring Dairy to Life" in seven manufacturing plants across Wisconsin and Michigan and in our headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin; and we’re looking for employees who are innovative and aim for excellence in our wide variety of production, field and business roles. Join us!
JOB TITLE: Laboratory Technician II
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Hours: 1:00pm - 1:00am on a 2-2-3 schedule.
Working every other weekend.
Position Overview
The Laboratory Technician is responsible for the accurate sampling and testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products for analytical and microbiological requirements that align with customer and company standards.
Key Accountabilities
Performs sampling and testing practices that align with our business strategy and documented laboratory procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy of results.
Prioritizes and prepares lab samples for testing and shipment to other labs and customers.
Prepares necessary reagents, microbial culture media, and controls according to standard formulas.
Conducts sampling in the production environment including but not limited to environmental pathogen sponges, ATP swabs, clean equipment and operational swabs.
Performs analytical tests and completes required documentation for samples, incoming, and finished products.
Accurately enters test results into R12 and other utilized databases.
Participates in Proficiency Testing program and achieves satisfactory results for analytical and microbiological samples.
Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment and waste.
Achieves a culture of excellence by adhering to safety guidelines, working with integrity, and communicating effectively with the team.
Cleans and maintains lab equipment, including recalibration of equipment.
Assists Laboratory/Quality Control Supervisor in troubleshooting efforts with equipment.
Follows established guidelines and criteria when performing retests.
Complies with all company safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices(GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)s, and state and federal regulatory requirements.
Interprets lab results and escalates out of spec or suspect results to leadership staff.
Participates in laboratory investigations when needed.
Facilitates training of new laboratory technicians.
This role is responsible for monitoring and/or verifying of control points and maintaining the related required documentation. For example, Critical Control Points(CCP), Preventive Controls(PC), Critical Quality Points(CQP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP), and Safe Quality Food(SQF) plans. This is not an all inclusive list.
Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma.
2-3 years of job-related experience.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Able to follow instructions and procedures with a high degree of accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree or lab certification preferred.
Familiarity with a lab environment.
Understanding of electronic and computerized laboratory equipment.
Key competencies
Facilitate trusting relationships through effective communication, follow through on commitments, resolving conflicts and recognizing the good work of others.
Regularly challenge the status quo by identifying opportunities for improvement, challenging the current state, and understanding that change and growth are ongoing.
Demonstrate growth-oriented qualities by asking questions, being curious open-minded, agile, learning from failures and inspiring the same in others.
Demonstrate self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses and seeking feedback to improve.
Communicate to share relevant information proactively and brings others along
Physical Setting
Job Setting: Plant Laboratory and Production Floor
Benefits:
At Foremost Farms, we believe that you and your family matter most. That’s why we’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in the area — designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family
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401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions
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Generous Paid Time Off – Start with 200 hours of PTO (pro-rated for first year)
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10 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time to rest and recharge
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Paid Parental Leave – 6 weeks fully paid
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Health Savings Account (HSA) – when you elect the high-deductible health plan
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Save for medical and dependent care expenses
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Life and Disability Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones
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Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings when you need them
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges
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Referral Program – Earn rewards for bringing great people to our team
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Career Growth Opportunities – Advance your skills and your career with us
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
