Relief Laboratory Technician

Valley-Milk-LL; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Milk is seeking a dependable Quality Assurance Relief Lab Technician in our Turlock facility. You will perform quality testing on dairy products, collect environmental samples, and document results to ensure compliance with regulations and customer specs.

Ideal candidates have a science degree or dairy lab experience, strong analytical and math skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Prior Bruker analyzer experience is a strong plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent dairy lab experience.
• Strong math and analytical reasoning for chemistry-based testing.
• Attention to detail with accurate documentation of results.
• Experience operating lab equipment and trouble-shooting when needed.
• Proficiency with Windows/Microsoft Office and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality testing on raw, intermediate, and finished dairy products.
• Collect and test environmental samples per procedures.
• Calibrate and maintain NIR equipment; document results.
• Enter data and generate reports; track quality trends.
• Provide overnight/weekend coverage as required.

Skills

Mathematical reasoning

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Bruker analyzer

Job description

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.What You'll DoIn this role, you will: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.What We're Looking ForThe ideal candidate will have: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.Experience with a Bruker analyzer is a strong plus.Strong mathematical reasoning skills with the ability to apply analytical chemistry equations.Experience preparing and standardizing reagents preferred.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.Licenses & CertificationsCandidates must possess or be able to successfully obtain within six months of hire:California Weighers and Samplers LicenseState of California Appendix N Testing CertificationWork Environment & Physical RequirementsThis position works primarily within a dairy process manufacturing and laboratory environment. Employees may be exposed to moving equipment, airborne particles, vibration, and elevated noise levels.The position requires regular standing and walking and may require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Employees must be able to frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.Why Valley Milk?At Valley Milk, quality starts with our people. This position provides an opportunity to build your technical laboratory skills while playing a direct role in protecting product quality, food safety, and our customers.We are looking for someone who values:Safety and Food QualityAccuracy and Attention to DetailTeamwork and CollaborationContinuous LearningProblem SolvingAccountabilityLeading by ExampleIf you are interested in growing your career in dairy manufacturing and Quality Assurance, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Valley Milk team.Valley Milk, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.