Dairy Laboratory Technician

**About Us**:
Procal is an established independent dairy manufacturer based in Campbellfield, Victoria, dedicated to delivering premium-quality milk and yoghurt products to both domestic and international markets. Our operations are underpinned by a strong commitment to food safety, environmental sustainability, and continual improvement through science and innovation.

**Position Summary**:
We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician (Chemistry Technician) to join our Quality team. This position involves conducting analytical and microbiological testing of dairy products, maintaining and calibrating laboratory instrumentation, supporting food safety compliance, and contributing to product development and quality control procedures.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Conduct chemical and microbiological analyses on raw milk, finished dairy products, and environmental samples to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
- Perform testing using methods such as antibiotic detection (Dash Kit and rapid test kits), enzyme efficiency (alkaline phosphatase test via Novalum reader), viscosity (Brookfield viscometer), and solubility tests using centrifuge and cryoscope.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments including Foss Milkoscan FT1, cryoscope, viscometer, and centrifuge. Perform minor servicing, calibration adjustments (slope/intercept), filter replacements, and prepare calibration fluids such as FTIR zero water.
- Conduct psychrotrophic bacteria tests using chemical indicators (benzalkonium chloride and tetrazolium chloride) and perform microscopic observations to assess fat globules and bacterial morphology.
- Analyse fermentation trials involving various culture strains (e.g., YCX-11, ABT-10, L. casei), monitor pH, consistency, and microbial balance of cultured dairy products.
- Prepare and issue Certificates of Analysis (COA) and Certificates of Compliance (COC) for each batch of milk and yoghurt products.
- Support packaging and liquid product development activities through validation and verification testing.
- Record, analyse and interpret data using spreadsheets and Excel functions (VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, pivot tables, charts), and prepare routine trend reports and graphs for internal QA purposes.
- Assist with export compliance documentation, including Transfer Declarations and Compliance Declarations, in accordance with DAFF/DFSV and international regulations.
- Implement and monitor quality control processes, conduct in-line QA testing, and assist in complaint investigations and corrective action reporting.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of SOPs, training staff in laboratory practices, and ensuring ongoing compliance with HACCP, FSANZ, SQF, and relevant food safety codes.

**Skills and Experience Required**:

- Minimum 3 years' experience in a food manufacturing laboratory or quality assurance environment, preferably dairy or beverage processing.
- Demonstrated experience in routine laboratory testing, data interpretation, and instrument calibration.
- Understanding of food safety regulatory requirements (FSANZ, DAFF, SQF, HACCP).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data handling tools to analyse lab data.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.

**Qualifications**:

- A Diploma or higher qualification in Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

- What's your expected annual salary?

**Experience**:

- dairy laboratory technician: 3 years (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 25/07/2025