Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a full range of quality-related tasks, including laboratory testing and plant quality monitoring, to ensure that all dairy and plant-based cultured products meet strict safety and quality standards. This role conducts microbiological, shelf-life, fat, solids, and allergen testing where appropriate, and supports facility programs such as ATP swabbing, air and water quality monitoring, environmental pathogen monitoring, and sampling of raw materials, work in process, and finished products. All activities require accurate documentation and record keeping in alignment with established SQF documentation control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine component testing of incoming materials to verify quality specifications.
• Conduct microbiological testing for raw materials, work in process, and finished products, including SPC, coliform, and yeast/mold analysis using 3M Petrifilm and PDA media plating.
• Carry out sensory evaluation of products during shelf-life studies and at the end of shelf-life to assess product quality and acceptability.
• Complete equipment pre-operational inspections, including visual checks and ATP swabbing, to confirm sanitation effectiveness.
• Monitor air quality within the facility using RCS air samplers and PDA pour plates to detect potential contamination.
• Monitor water quality within the facility, including testing for coliforms and total plate counts (TPC).
• Perform environmental pathogen swabbing in designated areas of the facility to support food safety programs.
• Conduct allergen testing of equipment and products where appropriate to verify effective cleaning and prevent cross-contact.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of all laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables to support continuous operations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation and records for all testing, monitoring, and quality activities in accordance with SQF documentation control procedures.
• Coordinate with third-party laboratories for sampling and testing as needed, ensuring proper handling, submission, and communication of results.
• Assist the quality team with additional duties and projects as needed to support overall quality and food safety programs.
• Perform ATP swabs and other microbiology testing as part of routine quality control activities.
• Execute chemistry and microbiology plating procedures, including swabbing and sample preparation, in support of laboratory analyses.
• Support quality control efforts as a Laboratory Technician by verifying that finished products meet established specifications and standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing methods, including SPC, coliform, and yeast/mold analysis using 3M Petrifilm and PDA media.
• Ability to perform sensory evaluation of dairy and plant-based products during and at the end of shelf-life studies.
• Proficiency in equipment pre-operational inspections, including visual inspection and ATP swabbing for sanitation verification.
• Experience with air quality monitoring using RCS air samplers and PDA pour plates.
• Experience with water quality monitoring, including coliform and total plate count (TPC) testing.
• Ability to perform environmental pathogen swabbing in a food manufacturing environment.
• Capability to conduct allergen testing on equipment and products where appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record keeping, following formal quality and SQF procedures.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with third-party laboratories for sampling and testing.
• Comfort working with dairy products and performing sensory testing without dairy-related allergies.
• Willingness to work a 2nd shift schedule and be open to working one weekend day as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing or dairy processing environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with SQF or similar food safety and quality management systems.
• Experience with quality control in laboratory and plant settings, including swabbing, microbiology testing, and chemistry testing.
• Ability to walk production floors and verify adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative crew.
• Organizational skills to manage laboratory inventory and multiple testing activities simultaneously.