Vacation Relief - QA Lab Tech

Darigold•Boise, ID

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Darigold is seeking an experienced and motivated Vacation Relief QA Lab Technician for its Boise plant. The role performs quality assurance laboratory testing to verify that products meet company and regulatory specifications, including analytical, microbiological, and organoleptic requirements. The technician maintains testing and calibration records, prepares and receives samples, supports environmental monitoring and audits, and helps troubleshoot issues and validate testing methods. The role also includes maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the site and laboratory and learning all laboratory jobs and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

Excellent organizational skills.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to perform analytical and microbiological tests that agree with a standard and/or duplicate testing by a recognized laboratory.
Basic understanding of microbiology and familiarity with plating methods.
Laboratory experience.
Ability to climb product tank ladders up to 40 feet high.
Ability to lift, push, or pull 50 pounds.
Flexibility and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to learn every job in the laboratory and maintain all laboratory equipment.
Willingness to work all assigned shifts.

Nice To Haves

BA or BS in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry preferred.
One to two years of experience in the food industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain testing documentation and records in compliance with Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements.
Calibrate laboratory equipment, conduct validation testing, and maintain calibration documentation.
Perform timely and accurate product testing.
Follow laboratory procedures established by Darigold’s Corporate Quality Department and Rainier Laboratory Department.
Maintain the environmental swabbing program and track and report results.
Ensure products’ analytical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties meet product and regulatory specifications, including tasting products on their expiry date.
Communicate test results to the QA supervisor, QA Manager, and other management as needed.
Obtain finished-product and raw-line samples for microbiological and analytical testing.
Prepare samples for testing while ensuring sterility and avoiding contamination; receive samples in an organized manner and maintain their integrity.
Perform additional tests when needed and critically troubleshoot testing issues.
Perform environmental monitoring duties around the facility as required by program standards.
Review and respond to third-party audits and assist during audits as needed.
Validate methodologies and support regulatory compliance.
Work on special projects and troubleshoot issues.
Maintain general cleanliness and sanitation of the site and laboratory.
Learn all laboratory jobs and maintain laboratory equipment.

Benefits

401(k) with competitive employer matching.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Employer-paid life and disability coverage.
Paid time off and paid holidays.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
Education assistance.
Employee assistance program.
Community giving through matching donations.
Access to dairy products and participation in the employee butter purchase program.
Night shift differential of $1.50 per hour where applicable.