Milk Intake Laboratory Technician

Location : Cookstown

Job Ref: UDF/2026/759

Employment : Full-Time Permanent

Closing Date : 27 October 2026 05:00 pm

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.

Culture

Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.

Equal Opportunities

The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.

Benefits

In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.

Milk Intake Laboratory Technician

JOB PURPOSE

To perform quality and food safety testing on all incoming milk supplies, ensuring only compliant milk is accepted onto site, while maintaining accurate records and supporting traceability requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Milk Intake Testing and Quality Assurance

• Conduct testing of all milk received on site and positively release tankers for use when results are within specification.
• Perform the following analyses on all whole milk and skim milk tankers:
  • Temperature
  • Antibiotic testing
  • Acidity
  • Freezing Point Depression (FPD)
  • Organoleptic assessment
  • Bactoscan count
  • Any additional tests as required by management

Documentation and Reporting

• Accurately record, maintain, and report all test results in accordance with site procedures.
• Promptly communicate any non-conforming milk results to the Milk Intake Team, Laboratory Personnel, and Management.

Communication and Decision Making

• Liaise effectively with tanker drivers regarding the acceptance or rejection of loads based on test results and site specifications.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with internal stakeholders to ensure efficient operations and product quality.

Sample Management and Compliance

• Organise, label, and retain milk samples as required for traceability and quality management purposes.
• Carry out additional intake compliance checks including:
  • Red Tractor compliance verification
  • Tanker wash record inspections
  • Other intake quality checks as required

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

• Perform daily calibration and verification checks on laboratory equipment, including:
  • Antibiotic Charm Readers
  • Freezing Point Depression (FPD) Cryoscope
  • Bactoscan start-up and validation checks

Hygiene and Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, organised, and hygienic work area in line with food safety, quality, and health & safety standards.
• Ensure lab equipment and workstations are maintained to a high standard at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere to all site Quality, Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Environmental procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the lab and milk intake.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Essential Criteria

• Good level of secondary education. Must have GCSE Maths, English & Science subjects at grade C or above (or equivalent).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Competent IT skills
• Proven ability to maintain accurate records with a high level of attention to detail.
• Well-organised and methodical approach to work, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in a laboratory, food testing, dairy, or quality assurance environment.

Skills

• Flexibility
• Reliable with excellent attendance and timekeeping.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently and use initiative when required.
• Ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive attitude with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Learn more about the company and to apply online dalefarm.co.uk/careers or from the Connected App using the Careers tile.

Completed application forms must be received online before:

5:00pm on Tuesday 27th October 2026

Only applications from EU Nationals or those with a valid permit to work in the UK will be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer

AMBITION | CURIOSITY | TEAMWORK | POSITIVITY | RESOLVE | ACCOUNTABILITY