Lab Technician - Cheese

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

A Typical Day

To successfully perform daily Finished Product and In-Process analysis on cheese samples, In – Process sampling, and job responsibilities as assigned.  Ensure accurate and timely flow of information to operations, product release teams, site and corporate QA. Help to support production quality. Responsible of performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting of lab instruments.
 

Job Responsibilities

• Efficiently perform lab sample pulling and analysis on cheese finished product and in-process product.  
• Read, study, understand and implement published lab procedures and tasks.  As new tasks are introduced, staff may be asked to take a written procedure and perform testing with little input.
• Ability to be flexible and perform multiple tests and steps simultaneously.
• Input report results and take the initiative to act on the basis of the data.
• Must be able to follow instructions completely and in detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Successfully comply with EMP (Evaluating the Measurement Process) and proficiency studies.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrates proficiency on position specific needs analysis requirements.
• Complete annual OSHA required safety training.
• Complete annual First Aid/CPR/AED Certification. 
• Complete Emergency Response Training to include 24hr initial, 8hr refresher each year. 
• Complete annual Company safety training program(s). 
• Complete Annual Food Safety overview training. 
• Active participation and ownership in your training and development program and associated activities, classes and events, which will be held before, during, after shifts and during scheduled days off.  
• Help coach and train teammates and participate in on the job, buddy training.
• Place high priority on food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. 
• Hold self and others accountable to HCC’s food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates. 
• Participate in food safety and sanitation root cause analysis and improvement activities when required.  
• Prioritize safety above all other job duties by having a safety first approach at all times. 
• Report any safety issues, observations, opportunities to your teams and follow up.  
• Participate in departmental safety teams.
• Promote Company Culture
• Achieve common business goals through cooperative alignment with all departments.

What You Will Need

• English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write and speak English
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• 4 months experience in a laboratory or production setting (lab experience can include high school science courses)
• Must be open to working weekends, holidays and rotating shifts (day/swing/graveyard) as necessary and working overtime as required. 
• Ability to lift 45lbs

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience working with Microsoft Office Software such as Word, Excel and Outlook   
• 6 months experience in a laboratory or production setting
• Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry or related field

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires physical exertion, exposure to potentially hazardous conditions or safety hazards. The majority of time is spending walking or standing.  There are occasional periods of sedentary work.  Is required to wear PPE and have a regular presence in manufacturing and warehouse environments in both temperature controlled and uncontrolled locations. Must frequently interact with people verbally.  Specific details of the essential functions of the position is available in the Job Safety Analysis,