Relief Laboratory Technician

Valley Milk; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 68,770,000 - 74,501,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Milk, LLC in Turlock, CA is seeking a dependable Quality Assurance Relief Lab Technician to join our QA team. The role focuses on testing dairy products at various stages and maintaining accurate records.

You will calibrate NIR equipment, collect samples, and help develop SOPs while ensuring compliance with safety and government specifications. The ideal candidate has a 4-year degree and hands-on lab experience in dairy testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with lab testing equipment, including troubleshooting.
• Experience with Bruker analyzer is a strong plus.
• Strong mathematical reasoning and analytical chemistry equations.
• Detail-oriented with timely test results.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality testing on raw, intermediate, and finished dairy products.
• Collect and test environmental samples according to procedures.
• Calibrate and maintain NIR equipment.
• Enter laboratory data and generate reports as required.
• Accept or reject ingredients and materials based on specs.
• Verify finished products meet government and customer specifications.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Independent yet collaborative

Problem solving

English proficiency

Microsoft Excel

Data entry / recordkeeping

Laboratory data interpretation

Education

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

Tools

Bruker analyzer

NIR equipment

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Valley Milk, LLC - Turlock, CA 95380Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $24.00 - $26.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyJob Category: ManufacturingValley Milk is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Relief Lab Technician to join our Quality Assurance team.

What You'll Do

In 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 For

The 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.

QualificationsLicenses & Certifications

Candidates must possess or be able to successfully obtain within six months of hire:

• California Weighers and Samplers License
• State of California Appendix N Testing Certification

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This 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 Quality
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Continuous Learning
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Leading by Example

Valley Milk, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.