Dairy Farmers of America · 1 day ago
Lab Technician
Turlock, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$24.42/hr - $28.45/hr
2+ years expDairy Farmers of America is a leading organization in the dairy industry, seeking a Lab Technician to perform laboratory tests on food products and ingredients. The role involves operating laboratory equipment, conducting quality assurance inspections, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
AgricultureDairyDietary SupplementsFood Processing
Responsibilities
Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment such as dairy analyzer, NIR analyzer, microwave, pH meter, chloride analyzer, scales, autoclave, thermometers, etc. and perform simple repairs as needed
Test and evaluate In-Process and Finished products for moisture, fat, salt, and pH or other components utilizing lab equipment
Test and evaluate Finished cheese products for body, texture, organoleptic, and performance characteristics over the shelf life of the product, including pizza melt tests
Evaluate ingredient, product, and packaging compliance to internal and customer specifications, determining acceptability
Collect various samples from different locations and environments throughout the plant, following aseptic sampling techniques
Prepare samples for micro testing, interpret and report results
Accurately and promptly record test results on standardized forms, computer database, SAP or LIM systems. Release batches and complete other transactions within these systems
Work with the plant "Hold and Release" program to ensure potential issues are identified and products are held pending further evaluations
Communicate test results to production staff and assist in developing and documenting corrective actions
Alert management staff to issues that require immediate action, utilizing authority to halt production activities for Food Safety related issues when necessary
Conduct inspections of the production and packaging areas and assist department supervisors in monitoring Food Safety, Quality, and GMP compliance
Monitor sanitation, inspect equipment and take swabs to determine that cleaning methods are effective
Act as the first point of contact, answering the phones in a professional manner during non-business hours
Maintain safe working conditions for employees and comply with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
Attend required training and participate in company programs supporting Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
Qualification
Required
Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent
Must have basic math skills
Must be able to follow written and verbal directions
Must be able to prioritize tasks and work independently
Must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs
Must have effective verbal and written English language communication skills
Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays
Must be able to work with Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
Must be able to learn required SAP transactions within agreed upon time frame and execute successfully
Preferred
Have an A.A. degree or equivalent course work or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in an analytical laboratory (food manufacturing lab preferred)
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
401k Employer Match
Life Insurance - Company Paid
AD&D, STD and LTD - Company Paid
144 hours of Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Time
Company
Dairy Farmers of America
Dairy Farmers of America is a milk marketing cooperative owned and served by farmers across the nation.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Dairy Farmers of America has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (6)
2023 (1)
2022 (2)
2021 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$45MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Agriculture
2022-09-15Grant· $45M
Leadership Team
Dennis Rodenbaugh
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Jones
Division Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-12-15
Family Features
2025-11-04
Company data provided by crunchbase