Advanced Lab Technician

Darigold • Sunnyside, WA

7d

About The Position

Darigold is seeking an Advanced Laboratory Technician for its Sunnyside team. Reporting to the Lab Supervisor, the technician supports daily laboratory operations and ensures quality and food safety tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. The role performs analytical, chemical, and microbiological testing of ingredients, environmental samples, in-process samples, and finished products. It also supports the facility’s food safety plan by verifying critical control points and preventive controls, maintaining laboratory proficiency and verification activities, and contributing to the site’s food safety and quality management systems.

The technician collects and tests samples, records and analyzes results, manages out-of-specification notifications and retests, and transfers data into systems used for product release. The role maintains laboratory equipment, supplies, and consumables; performs preventive maintenance and calibration; supports environmental swabbing and inventory testing; and helps train employees and operations staff. The position contributes to quality improvement, root-cause analysis, regulatory compliance, and a culture of continuous improvement. Other duties may be assigned by plant management.

Requirements

• Demonstrated high aptitude for critical work and measurement through education, training, and at least 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Follow and demonstrate Good Laboratory Practices.
• Attain and maintain WSDA-approved Appendix N Certified Industry Analyst and Plant Sampler licenses.
• Attain and maintain HACCP, PCQI, and SQF certifications.
• Understand FDA, USDA, CODEX, and other relevant dairy-product regulatory standards, with a basic understanding of PMO and FSMA requirements.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office products and database systems such as LIMS, Oracle, SafetyChain, or Smartsheets.
• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, including in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform analytical and microbiological tests that produce results consistent with standards or duplicate testing by a recognized laboratory.
• Intermediate understanding of food microbiology, serial dilutions, plating methods, and preparation of different media.
• Strong communication skills to support teamwork across departments such as maintenance, utilities, and production.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to address workplace issues and identified non-conformances.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet goals and ensure product quality.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications in dairy science, food safety, food science, or laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with advanced laboratory equipment such as FT-IR machines, chromatographs, and PCR machines.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data-analysis tools for interpreting complex data sets.
• Experience training, mentoring, and coaching staff across departments.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical, chemical, and microbiological testing of ingredients, environmental samples, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform routine laboratory duties, sampling, grading, product inspection, troubleshooting, and testing of finished and in-process samples.
• Collect samples and conduct testing; document results, manage out-of-specification notifications and retests, and transfer data into systems for product releases.
• Collect and analyze in-process samples for plant operations.
• Immediately notify supervisors and QA and plant management of out-of-specification results; perform duties necessary to confirm or rule out affected product and hold at-risk products for review.
• Maintain the environmental swabbing program, track and report results, and conduct environmental and investigative pathogen swabbing as required.
• Accurately record and retain analysis data, identify trends, support root-cause analysis for quality events, and prepare reports.
• Perform preventive maintenance and calibration duties, run standards, calibrate and maintain equipment, and ensure testing methods meet established standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and the laboratory, and stock culture media, buffers, and reagents.
• Collect raw and pasteurized samples for plant inventory through milk component testing and support product standardization.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Maintain laboratory supply and plant-consumable inventories and keep the laboratory clean and operational.
• Report food safety risks and quality issues immediately and participate in the plant’s Quality Improvement Plan.
• Follow safety protocols and comply with regulatory guidelines, including FDA and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Assist in training new employees; develop LSOPs and OPLs; train and coach operations staff on quality and food safety processes, procedures, equipment, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with troubleshooting sample and equipment issues, support laboratory and sanitation technicians, and aid in technician training and certification.
• Lead projects as needed to strengthen facility quality programs and support development of the facility’s food safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Support and maintain food safety and quality management systems through proactive reporting and issue resolution.
• Verify facility preventive controls, critical control points, and prerequisite programs for regulatory compliance.
• Perform and maintain annual laboratory proficiency testing and verification of laboratory tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by plant management.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Premium pay for off shifts (night or swing) and vacation relief, where applicable

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed