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Milk Lab Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Novi, MI

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing ... Ability to follow good lab practices.Detail oriented, organized, ability to multitask, and manages ...

Sample Van Driver

Novi, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing ... Delivers or picks up lab supplies, sample vials, mail, and other items as requested by management.

Milk Lab information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do milk lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab in Detroit, MI is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Michigan Milk Producers Association
Dairy Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About Us: The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative known for producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products. Established in 1916, MMPA markets 5 billion pounds of milk annually and is the ninth largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, serving members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. At MMPA, commitment to milk quality begins on the farm and extends through five processing facilities and wholly owned subsidiary brands, Superior Dairy and Heritage Ridge Creamery. With seven sites across Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, MMPA continues to shape the future of the dairy industry through innovation, product diversification and strategic growth while returning value to its member-owners. Why you'll love working here: Competitive salaryHealth and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefitsDisability insurancePaid time offRetirement including 401k with employer contributionsPersonal and professional growth opportunitiesEmployee appreciation events and recognition awardsEmployee wellness initiativesEmployee feedback and suggestion forums Purpose: The Novi Laboratory Technician is responsible and accountable for performing quality assurance and testing. Responsibilities and Duties Accurately analyze milk and water samples following the NCIMS/FDA and USDA requirements.Maintain NCIMS/FDA certifications.Ability to follow good lab practices.Detail oriented, organized, ability to multitask, and manages time well.Perform and maintain quality control testing records.Ability to work in a team setting as well as independently.Perform general housekeeping.Preparing media and reagents.Perform other duties as assigned.Maintain a safe work environment by personally following safety rules and practices.Identify and solve problems related to tests and equipment using solid technical knowledge. Education and Work Experience Requirements BS degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related field is preferred.Laboratory experience is preferred.Understanding of Evaluation of Milk Laboratories (EML), NCIMS/FDA Accreditation of Milk Laboratory requirements, and Appendix N requirements is desired.Good communication skills to share ideas/technical information in an easy-to-understand manner. Physical Requirements and Essential Functions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, handle, reach above the shoulders, stoop, kneel, and crouch. Many tasks include repetitive movements. The employee is required to frequently sit, talk, and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. MMPA is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees as one of our top priorities. As part of our commitment to your well-being and workplace safety, all applicants are required to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process. We are not accepting unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or rsums from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies for this position. MMPA is an equal opportunity employer. #MMPAND1