Lab Technician II - Graveyard Shift

Darigold • Sunnyside, WA

12h • 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.

Requirements

• Follow and demonstrate good lab practices.
• Dairy science, food safety, food science, or laboratory techniques certifications.
• 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

• 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.
• 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