Senior Laboratory Technician, Palmerston North

We are a Co-operative created and owned by Aotearoa New Zealand dairy farmers.
Since our beginnings, collaboration, innovation, and passion have enabled us to share the goodness of our dairy with the world.
We're committed to caring for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk, producing nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients loved here in New Zealand and around the world.As part of the Fonterra Co-op, you'll be solving for a better future alongside a team connected by solid values as we strive to be a leader in dairy sustainability, dairy innovation and science, with a focus on New Zealand milk.When you join Fonterra, you'll open yourself to a career of opportunities where you can grow with us by developing your skills, sharing your knowledge, and exploring diverse career paths that ignite your passions.Fonterra Oceania is our newly formed entity that merges the Fonterra Brands New Zealand (FBNZ) and Fonterra Australia operations, aimed at enhancing our competitive position in the trans-Tasman dairy market.
The integration of Fonterra Brands New Zealand (FBNZ) and Fonterra Australia builds on similarities to outperform the competition, create scale and synergies, and will strengthen our competitive edge.
This role will join a team that helps to build an even stronger trans-Tasman dairy business with reach across Oceania and beyond.We have three FBNZ operated sites in Takanini, Eltham and Palmerston North, and two central distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, with the largest chilled foods network across New Zealand.About the opportunity | Mo tenei turangaWe have an opportunity for a Senior Laboratory Technician to join our team at our Makomako site in Palmerston North.
This role will report to our Laboratory Team Leader.As a Senior Laboratory Technician, you will:Carry out sampling, analysis, and assessment of raw milk reception samples, ensuring testing is performed according to established methods and ISO/IEC17025 requirements.Conduct product testing according to specifications and promptly report any out-of-specification results to the Food Safety & Quality Manager and Production Shift Manager.Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration is up to specifications to deliver accurate and reliable test results.Perform environmental pathogen sampling, maintain comprehensive testing records, and coordinate with external laboratories when needed.Lead product development trials and assist with quality improvement initiatives through effective Project Management and Standard Work practices.Please note that this is a 7-month fixed term role.
The working hours are 5:54am - 6pm on a 4 on 4 off roster.To be successful in this role, you will be someone who has worked within a quality control or laboratory field, ideally with dairy experience.Key skills and experience:Experience as a laboratory technician performing chemical, microbiological, and/or sensory analysis within an accredited laboratory environment.Familiarity with ISO/IEC17025 requirements and quality systems with experience using laboratory equipment and scientific instruments.Science background, particularly in microbiology or chemistry, with an understanding of dairy components being highly beneficial.Proven ability to maintain accurate records, identify quality issues, and raise non-conformances when required.Strong communication skills with the ability to work independently during weekend shifts and effectively manage projects from conception to completion.Additional experience with laboratory information management systems and previous work in food industry testing would be advantageous.Are you excited about this opportunity but may only meet some requirements?At Fonterra, we are committed to building a diverse workplace and, therefore, open to looking at applicants with excellent transferable skills.
If that's you, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or one of our other opportunities.Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success.
We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work.
We also offer competitive remuneration and a range of benefits, regardless of your role or location.Being part of Fonterra means being part of a unique history, realising the potential of dairy for generations to come, and solving for a better future together.Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit, guides a common strength and purpose.Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people at the heart of what we do.Kaitiakitanga ensures we care for the land, farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.Whakaohooho inspires us all with excellent career development opportunities, benefits, flexibility, and balance to suit everyone's lifestyles and choices.Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best, and are empowered to create goodness for generations.
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