Overview:       You will join a six member team of technicians who complete and document a variety of chemical and microbial tests on raw milk samples using traditional and automated methods.  You will need to obtain state certification in running eight tests, including two for antibiotics, within the first six months of employment.  Maintaining certification is a requirement for the job.  The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an additional three to four hours every sixth Saturday.

Duties:

1. Independently set up, complete and report the results of tests on raw milk samples using traditional and automated methods.
   1. PLC  Plate Loop Count – Bacteria test
   2. PAC  Petrifilm Aerobic Count – Bacteria test
   3. DMSCC  Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count
   4. BactoScan  Automated – Bacteria test
   5. Foss  Automated - Component test
   6. Well Waters 
      
2. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of automated testing equipment so that malfunctions can be quickly identified and repairs efficiently completed.  This may include making some of these repairs independently or with the assistance of others.
   
3. Document and report results in a timely, legible manner.
   
4. Identify and solve problems related to tests and equipment using solid technical knowledge.
   
5. Maintain a safe work environment by personally following safety rules and practices.
   
6. Participate in keeping the lab neat and clean:
   1. Washing glassware
   2. Run Autoclave
   3. Taking out the trash

 

We seek applicants with a four year degree in the sciences, particularly with laboratory classes such as chemistry and microbiology.  Those with the equivalent in work experience, particularly lab experience in food or dairy may also apply.  The selected applicant will need to be able to comfortably and safely lift  coolers, from floor to waist, that are up to sixty pounds and carry up to 20 feet at a time.  You will need to be able to work independently but cooperatively in a close knit group.

 

Our corporate headquarters is located in Novi, Michigan.  It houses the Accounting, Sales, Member Services, Member Relations, Human Resources, Information Systems and Laboratory departments.

 

Company Features:

MMPA is one of the top ten dairy cooperatives in the nation.  It has an excellent financial record that is not duplicated by our peer competitors. Our owners are 2000+ dairy farmers located in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.  MMPA markets its members’ milk, guaranteeing a market every day for all member produced milk.   Milk not sold to bottlers or other food processors is shipped to one of our two plants to be manufactured into a more shelf stable product such as dried powder, sweetened condensed milk or butter.  Our customers are large brand name companies who use our product as an ingredient in their goods (cheese, candy, ice cream, bakery goods, infant formula, etc).  Our annual revenue is between $400 and $500 million, with $100 to $150 million coming from the manufacturing plants.

 

Founded in 1916, MMPA currently employs approximately 200 people.  The Novi headquarters is home to the executive group and the administrative departments of the Association.

 

If interested, please send resume and salary expectations to:
Michigan Milk Producers Association
Cindy Tilden, Director, Human Resources
P.O. Box 8002
Novi, MI  48376-8002
Phone: (248) 474-6672
Fax:  (248) 426-3416
E-mail: tilden@mimilk.com and include "Lab Technician" in the subject