Food Technologist Location - High Hybrid This is a hybrid role, which means that you will have the flexibility to work both onsite and at a distance. You will collaborate onsite at our LaFarge, WI office for 4 to 8 days per month, and the rest of the time you can choose to work remotely or onsite. Employee Type - Hourly Bonus Eligibility - No Safety Sensitive - No If a company is going to make a difference in today's world, it's going to have to think differently. At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals and the earth. We're a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we've been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning. Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we're now an established leader. Organic is all we do. We are driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products. Summary of Role The Food Technologist will be responsible for assisting in vendor approval process, report writing, sourcing ingredients and updating documentation for ingredients and other vendors. This role will also be involved in researching products and ingredient functionalities to assist in new and existing product formulation. This role is responsible for the maintenance of all aspects of a modern laboratory, assistance in developing sensory and shelf life planning as well as other day to day duties within the PD department while providing excellent internal and external customer service. This role may require limited travel. Essential Duties and Responsibilities o Research and assist in answering technical questions about our ingredients, products, and processing facilities as posted on Organic Valley Intranet (respond to forum questions and aid customer service as needed) o Reformulate/formulate new and existing products utilizing internal benchtop prototypes and pilot plant trials at an external co-processing partner as necessary. o Attend, observe and monitor occasional offsite plant trials. o Assist in the research of appropriate co-processing partners and functional ingredients to improve product performance. o Work closely with laboratories for product testing, coordinating shipment of samples, maintain results. o Assist in sourcing ingredients, coordinating laboratory prototypes, trials, and maintaining filing system. o Taste and work with milk, cheese, butter, soy, cultured dairy products, and dried dairy products. o Perform product analysis such as pH, TA, moisture, texture, butterfat, protein, viscosity, and other in-house lab testing. o Develop and coordinate sensory and shelf life plans. o Holds the confidential and proprietary information received from CROPP in strict confidence and exercises a reasonable degree of care to prevent disclosure to others. o Perform Pilot Plant maintenance and operation. o Maintain lab equipment and calibration. o Maintain an orderly/clean lab. o Provide requested nutritionals and provide Spec support to other departments Additional Duties and Responsibilities o Reporting, analyzing and interpreting special lab testing. o Participate in sensory panels and shelf life studies. o Author and revise SOP's o Purchase and maintain lab supply inventories. o Other duties assigned by supervisor. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities o Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or related science degree & 3 - 4 years product development experience o Licensed cheesemaker or experience in cheese making. o Experience with product formulations o Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel o Excellent verbal and written communication skills. o Strong interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player. o Strong attention to detail. o Lab Report & Technical report writing skills. o Ability to organize and prioritize deadlines. Base salary range: $51,833.60 - $67,371.20 per year This salary wage range is exclusive of fringe benefits. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses. If you are hired at CROPP, your final base salary wage compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end of the salary wage range and hiring at the maximum of the salary wage range is not typical. Benefits We believe when our people are strong, our mission is strong. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive and holistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees' and their family's total wellbeing. Here are some of the great benefits offered: * Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf) * Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance. * Time Off - 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will. * 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave - For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption. * Vision & Dental Insurance - Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho. * 401k - We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee's contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions. * Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics. * Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education. * Flexible Spending Account - For dependent care costs or to help with dental and vision costs. * Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children. * Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee. * Mental Health Support - Free 24/7 access to therapists, coaches, and self-led mental health resources. * Free onsite fitness centers available 24/7 * Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching. * Financial advisors and seminars * Annual $360 wellness reimbursement * Flexible Scheduling * On-site all-organic cafeterias