Lab Tech II - CC

Sartori Cheese; Crescent City (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Sartori Cheese in Crescent City, CA, is seeking a Laboratory Technician II to support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance through routine microbiological and chemical testing of in-process, finished product, and environmental samples.

You will prepare samples and media, enter data accurately, assist with HACCP-related monitoring, and back up the laboratory supervisor. The role requires attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to support audits and investigations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalen­t required; associate degree in natural science preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of related quality experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in a dairy facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts basic microbiological or chemical analysis to support operations and compliance.
• Maintains data in company databases and supports weekend production activities.
• Prepares testing materials, media and samples for internal and external testing.
• Assists with audits, investigations, and special projects.
• Trains and guides team members and backs up the supervisor as needed.

Skills

Laboratory testing

GLP

Mathematical calculations

MS Office

LIMS

Analytical skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Food safety

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred (natural sciences)

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The Laboratory Technician II supports food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance by performing routine microbiological and chemical testing on in-process, finished product, and environmental samples. This role supports HACCP activities, prepares samples and media for internal and external testing, completes accurate data entry and documentation, and assists with audits, investigations, and special projects. The position also provides day-to-day guidance to team members and serves as an operational backup to the laboratory supervisor as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conducts basic microbiological or chemical analysis testing on in-process and finished product to support operational needs and ensure regulatory and customer compliance.
• Provides Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan related production support such as phosphatase testing and environmental monitoring.
• Enters and maintains accurate data in company databases for converting items, including weekend production at Sartori Whey.
• Prepares laboratory testing materials, media and samples for outside laboratory testing.
• Occasionally provides support for laboratory certification checks, inspections, and internal customer audits.
• Supports various projects and studies through sample collection and preparation, and recording results.
• Performs microbiological analysis of production equipment and environment to ensure safe food production.
• Rotates, cleans and maintains the Quality Assurance (QA) sample retain library.
• Answers questions from team members and provides hands‑on direction and guidance where needed.
• Periodically monitors day‑to‑day tasks and reassigns responsibilities, as needed, to back up the supervisor.
• Performs daily check standards on the Milk-O-Scan at cheesemake facilities.
• Demonstrates understanding of sample collection processes and the operations of each facility.
• Assists with streaking and isolating organisms on media and coordinates samples for external laboratory analysis.
• Supports growth promotion testing activities.
• Assists with out‑of‑specification investigations.
• Completes customer, supplier, and internal Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Responds effectively to unexpected or urgent laboratory needs.
• Completes assigned monthly, quarterly, and biannual laboratory tasks in support of FDA 2400-series requirements.
• Occasionally reviews and signs daily laboratory documentation, as authorized.
• Ensures laboratory supplies are adequately stocked and places orders as needed.
• Trains and supports new team members on established laboratory procedures and policies.
• Promptly reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is not responsible for leading others.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate degree in a natural science field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of related quality experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Experience in a dairy facility is preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced understanding of microbiological and chemical laboratory testing principles, techniques, and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Mathematical & Computer Skills: Competence in performing mathematical calculations related to dilutions, conversions, concentrations, and measurements using metric and imperial systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or other quality tracking software.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills: Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret data; recognize outliers or abnormal results; and take appropriate corrective action or escalation.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate test results, observations, and process deviations both verbally and in writing. Ability to read, interpret, and follow written procedures, specifications, and technical documents.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Ability to apply general rules to specific problems and draw valid conclusions based on scientific reasoning. Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with established procedures and priorities.
• Food Safety & Compliance Awareness: Understanding of HACCP plan and monitoring critical control points. Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant work environment consistent with all quality and food safety standards

CERTIFICATIONS

Obtain CDFA Milk and Cream Testers license within 12 months of hire as applicable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This is an onsite position at our Creamery located in Crescent City, CA.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). This role will require travel between Sartori facilities. A valid driver's license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands or arms, taste or smell. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include close, distance, and color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be exposed to hazardous substances as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.

The salary range for this role is $26-32.50 per hour. Sartori considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: education/training, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, responsibilities of the position, internal pay equity, as well as market and business considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.