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Milk Lab Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MILK RECEIVING

Paynesville, MN ยท On-site

$26.16/hr

Oversee and monitor the filling, storage, and agitation processes of milk holding silos. * Assist Lab or Cheesemaking employees, or perform additional duties as required and directed. * Adhere to ...

QA Technician - Nights

Mountain Lake, MN ยท On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Conduct and interpret lab tests. * Package and prepare samples for shipment to third party testing locations. * Respond to internal calls to answer technical product questions. * Perform laboratory ...

New

Laboratory Technician

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Milk, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, etc.). * Overtime and weekend work as required. * Work ... Requires no prior lab experience * New to the clinical laboratory testing environment * Strong ...

Laboratory Technician

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Milk, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, etc.). * Overtime and weekend work as required. * Work ... Requires no prior lab experience * New to the clinical laboratory testing environment * Strong ...

Milk Lab information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do milk lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab in Minnesota is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Milk Lab and how can new team members effectively address them?

In a Milk Lab, common challenges include maintaining strict quality control standards, operating specialized testing equipment accurately, and managing time-sensitive tasks, especially during busy collection periods. New team members can address these by becoming thoroughly familiar with lab protocols, actively seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and practicing precise documentation. Strong communication skills and attention to detail will also help ensure smooth workflow and reliable results in collaboration with the broader dairy operations team.

What is a Milk Lab and what does a Milk Lab technician do?

A Milk Lab is a specialized facility within hospitals, especially neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where human milk is safely prepared, stored, and sometimes fortified for premature or ill infants. Milk Lab technicians are responsible for handling, processing, labeling, and tracking breast milk and donor milk to ensure it meets strict safety and nutritional standards. Their role is critical in supporting the health of vulnerable newborns by minimizing risks of contamination and ensuring accurate nutrition delivery.

What is the difference between Milk Lab vs Milk Technician?

AspectMilk Lab
CertificationsTypically requires food science or dairy processing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on product testing and quality control
Industry UsageUsed mainly in dairy product development and quality assurance
Job FocusResearch, formulation, and lab testing of dairy products

Milk Lab roles are primarily involved in research and development within dairy laboratories, focusing on product formulation and quality testing. Milk Technicians often work in processing plants, handling production, and ensuring product standards. While both roles require knowledge of dairy products, Milk Lab positions emphasize laboratory skills and product innovation, whereas Milk Technicians focus on production processes and operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, microbiology, and food safety standards, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and quality control certifications such as HACCP are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are crucial for maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall safety in dairy production environments.
Infographic showing various Milk Lab job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,899 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
MILK RECEIVING

MILK RECEIVING

Associated Milk Producers

Paynesville, MN โ€ข On-site

$26.16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nationโ€™s American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperativeโ€™s award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIESย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

  1. ย All AMPI employees are required to report any employee safety, food safety, and food quality issues to the appropriate personnel.
  2. ย This position has heightened responsibilities for food safety and food quality
  3. ย Responsible for product receiving and shipments, ensuring proper scaling, sampling, and testing of products, including milk tests such as drip, tank, or CO: T.A., H2O, bacteria, butterfat, and inhibitors
  4. Maintain recordkeeping and documentation, including load temperature, silo fill levels, truck Clean in Place (CIP) records, receiving logs, testing logs and notifications, shipment records, and more.ย ย 
  5. ย Perform T.A. tests, truck inhibitor screening, individual screenings, and cryoscope tests
  6. ย Sanitize and clean trucks, tanks, silos, lines, and work areas, and maintain CIP systems.
  7. ย Oversee and monitor the filling, storage, and agitation processes of milk holding silos.
  8. ย Assist Lab or Cheesemaking employees, or perform additional duties as required and directed.
  9. ย Adhere to current and future WDATCP, USDA, FDA, or any other regulatory agency requirements as necessary.
  10. ย Record and report production deficiencies to foremen and management.
  11. ย Report and communicate critical information during shift transitions.
  12. ย Continuously seek process improvement opportunities and communicate them effectively to others.
  13. ย Support the training of new employees.
  14. ย Assist maintenance personnel with machine repairs or troubleshooting as needed.
  15. ย Adhere to all Safety and GMP policies and procedures, and report any nonconformities
  16. ย Other duties as assigned.ย 

An individual in this position must be An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), preferred.
  • Food manufacturing, material handling and forklift operation experience preferred
  • Knowledge of HACCP, GMP's, OSHA and loss control programs is highly desirable

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military and veterans are encouraged to apply.