Lab Technician II - Graveyard Shift

Darigold Careers • Sunnyside, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Darigold is seeking dedicated Laboratory Technicians to join our Sunnyside team. As a laboratory technician, you will report to the lab supervisor and play a crucial role in our lab's daily operations. Your responsibilities will ensure that all quality and food safety-related tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. The Lab Technician is responsible for performance of department quality management system & programs to include analytical, chemical, and microbiological testing of ingredient, environment, in-process samples and finished product samples. The technician will support the facilities food safety plan and will perform CCP and preventive control verification tasks to ensure hazard control points have been satisfied.

Requirements

• Follow and demonstrate good lab practices.
• Attain and maintain WSDA approved licenses; Appendix N Certified Industry Analyst License & Plant Sampler License.
• Understanding of FDA, USDA, CODEX, and other relevant regulatory standards for dairy products.
• Have a basic understanding of the PMO and FSMA requirements.
• Attain and maintain HACCP, PCQI, and SQF certifications.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), database systems (LIMS, Oracle, SafetyChain, Smartsheets, etc.) and other relevant programs.
• Ability to type at least 40 wpm.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and high level of 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, and familiarity with plating methods and different media preparation.
• Strong communication skills to drive teamwork across multiple different departments (maintenance, utilities, production).
• Ability to use critical thinking and troubleshooting skills for issues in the work area to address non-conformances identified.
• High aptitude for critical work and measurement, demonstrated by education, training, and 2+ years of laboratory experience.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
• Capability to prioritize tasks to meet goals and ensure product quality.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory duties, including testing for finished and in-process samples.
• Handle sampling, grading, product inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Aid in collection of samples and perform necessary testing, documentation, and manage out-of-specification notifications and retests.
• Transfer data into systems for product releases.
• Perform in-process sample collection and analysis for plant operations.
• Notify the supervisor immediately if the product does not meet specifications.
• Communicate any out of spec results to QA Management & Plant Management and perform necessary duties to confirm or deny any of-specification product.
• Assist with maintaining environmental swabbing program, track and report results.
• Conduct environmental and investigative pathogen swabbing as required by program standards.
• Accurately record and retain data from analyses.
• Identify trends in product testing data to identify opportunities and help perform root cause analysis for quality events.
• Perform necessary PM & calibration duties.
• Run standards and calibrate equipment.
• Ensure testing methods meet established standards.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment (e.g. pH meters, scales, pipettors, incubators, and biosafety cabinets) and the laboratory overall.
• Focus on reliability and consistency of the entire testing process.
• Stock culture media, buffers, and reagents as needed.
• Collect all raw and pasteurized samples for plant inventory via milk component testing and support standardization of products manufactured.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Good Lab Practices (GLP).
• Accurately record data, maintain documentation, and prepare reports.
• Maintain and perform inventory for lab supplies and plant consumables.
• Maintain a clean and operational laboratory to support program and systems.
• Report food safety risks or quality issues immediately and hold at-risk products for review.
• Participate and support the plant’s quality improvement plan (QIP) to drive compliance and results.
• Follow safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, ISO 17025).
• Assist in training new employees and developing LSOPs and OPLs.
• Aid in training and coaching operations on quality and food safety processes and procedures, laboratory equipment and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
• Assist in identifying and troubleshooting issues with samples and/or equipment.
• Support fellow lab techs and sanitation techs as needed.
• Aid in training and certification for lab technicians.
• Lead projects as necessary to aid in strengthen the quality programs at the facility.
• Participate in developing and maintaining the food safety culture at the facility.
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement, striving for excellence in all aspects of laboratory operations.
• Support and maintain the food safety & quality management system focused on proactive reporting and addressing issues before they become an incident or impact product.
• Perform verification tasks of facilities preventive controls, critical control points, and prerequisite programs to confirm compliance with regulation.
• Perform and maintain annual laboratory proficiency testing and verification of lab tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by plant management.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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