Entry-Level Laboratory Technician

Hours: Full-time, first shift

Location: Grand Ledge, Mich., laboratory

Full-time entry-level Laboratory Technicians work as part of a team in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment. Under the guidance of the lab supervisor, Laboratory Technicians carefully view and analyze milk samples for a variety of data points. They provide assistance to ensure laboratory equipment is operating properly, while making sure all samples are processed correctly by following strict guidelines set by the National Dairy Herd Information Association.

Daily activities:
— Assist with moving and organizing milk samples for processing;
— Perform accurate preparation of various chemicals for analysis of milk samples;
— Use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to analyze milk samples;
— Prepare sample vials for use by team members in the field;
— Work together to maintain inventory and supply levels to ensure compliance with quality control;
— Clean equipment and work area; and
— Other duties as assigned.
— There may occasionally be opportunities to assist DHI Specialists on farm and provide relief help in the sample-delivery department.

Qualifications:
— High school diploma or equivalent required;
— Excellent communication skills;
— Demonstrates the ability to operate all testing equipment and supplies according to procedural standards on a daily basis;
— Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, lift, and carry objects up to 50 pounds; and
— Strong work ethic, with ability to work on your own, as well as in a team structure.
— A dairy-farm background is preferred, but not mandatory.

Compensation:
— Hourly wage;
— Paid time off;
— Health-, dental-, and vision-insurance options;
— Flexible-spending account;
— 401 (k) – retirement savings plan with up to 4% match;
— Company-sponsored life insurance and long-term-disability insurance;
— Optional short-term-disability insurance;
— Continuing-education opportunities;
— Employee-assistance program; and
— Employee-awards program.
— We prefer to promote from within when advancement opportunities arise. Our investment in your training is critical in maintaining that goal.

About CentralStar Cooperative:
CentralStar’s goal of enhancing producer profitability through integrated services is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states. For more information, visit CentralStar Cooperative Inc. at www.mycentralstar.com.