Relief Laboratory Technician
About The Position
Valley Milk is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Relief Lab Technician to join our Quality Assurance team. Valley Milk is a state-of-the-art, 24/7/365 powdered milk ingredient processing facility located in Turlock, California. Our mission is to be a world-class dairy ingredient processor and marketer of premium milk powders with a strong focus on quality, food safety, and operational excellence. The Relief Lab Technician plays an important role in ensuring our raw materials, in-process products, and finished products meet established food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent related experience in a dairy laboratory testing environment.
- Previous experience using laboratory testing equipment, including troubleshooting.
- Strong mathematical reasoning skills with the ability to apply analytical chemistry equations.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, timely test results.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; bilingual skills are a plus.
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including data manipulation, pivot tables, and graphing.
- California Weighers and Samplers License (must possess or obtain within six months of hire).
- State of California Appendix N Testing Certification (must possess or obtain within six months of hire).
Nice To Haves
- Experience with a Bruker analyzer is a strong plus.
- Experience preparing and standardizing reagents preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform quality testing on raw, intermediate, and finished dairy products.
- Collect and test environmental samples according to established procedures.
- Perform laboratory testing including Near Infrared (NIR), scorch, acidity, butterfat, total solids, and other analytical testing.
- Perform basic microbiological and environmental sampling duties.
- Accurately document samples, test results, quality control measures, and other laboratory records.
- Enter laboratory data and generate reports as required.
- Accept or reject ingredients and materials based on established specifications and criteria.
- Verify finished products meet applicable government and customer specifications prior to release.
- Calibrate and maintain NIR equipment.
- Assist with setting up new in-house testing equipment and developing applicable SOPs.
- Track and trend quality data as assigned.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
- Follow all company Safety, GMP, Food Safety, Sanitation, and Quality policies and procedures.
- Provide relief coverage and support for laboratory operations, including overnight and weekend duties as required.
- Support additional Quality Assurance activities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
