Milk Sample and Meter Technician/Relief Route Driver, Grand Ledge, Mich.

Hours:

Full-time, first shift
Location: Grand Ledge, Mich.

Your purpose:

Support the people who feed the world. At CentralStar’s milk-analysis lab in Grand Ledge, Michigan, our work goes beyond the facility. We help dairy producers keep animals healthy, improve herd performance, and produce safe, high-quality food for tables around the globe.

This full-time role combines team-based work in the laboratory and on the road. In the milk-analysis lab, much of your day follows a steady, high-volume workflow where accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail are essential. You’ll analyze milk samples using National Dairy Herd Information Association standards, work with specialized equipment, and help maintain and calibrate field and laboratory meters to ensure reliable results.

You’ll also provide route support as needed to collect, transport, and organize samples to keep operations running smoothly. This is hands-on, fast-paced work with a clear connection to the success of dairy producers across the region.

Daily Activities:

• Assist with moving and organizing milk samples for processing;
• Prepare chemicals and reagents for sample analysis;
• Use specialized equipment to analyze milk samples;
• Prepare and supply sample vials for field use;
• Maintain inventory and supply levels to support quality standards;
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and field meters;
• Keep lab spaces clean, safe, and organized;
• Provide relief coverage for route drivers as needed;
• Transport and document samples accurately;
• Build familiarity with routes and customers through occasional ride-alongs;
• Deliver supplies to producers and field teams;
• Communicate effectively with customers and team members;
• Support teamwork across departments and business units;
• Follow company policies, culture initiatives, code of ethics, safety standards, and confidentiality requirements; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Previous laboratory and/or delivery/route experience preferred, additional training provided;
• Ability to operate all testing equipment and supplies according to procedural standards on a daily basis;
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record;
• Willingness to travel, when needed, within Michigan and Indiana, working in varied schedules and weather conditions;
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities;
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills;
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new systems;
• Strong work ethic in a safe environment, with ability to work on your own and in a team structure;
• Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, lift, and carry objects up to 50 pounds; and
• A dairy-farm background is preferred, but not mandatory.

Compensation:

• Hourly wage;
• Paid time off;
• Health-, dental-, and vision-insurance options;
• Flexible-spending account;
• 401 (k) – retirement savings plan with up to 4% match;
• Company-sponsored life insurance and long-term-disability insurance;
• Optional short-term-disability insurance;
• Continuing-education opportunities;
• Employee-assistance program; and
• Employee-awards program.
• We prefer to promote from within when advancement opportunities arise. Our investment in your training is critical in maintaining that goal.

About CentralStar Cooperative:

CentralStar’s mission of enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual success is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states.