Laboratory Technician- Vacation Relief at Darigold

Darigold is seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician- Vacation Relief to be a part of the Laboratory team in Seattle, WA. They are responsible for the day-to-day functions in the lab, and for ensuring all quality and food safety related tasks are completed in a timely manner. This is an hourly, union position.

Pay rate: $29.34- $33.01

**Must be available for flexible shift schedules**

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)

• Willing to learn every job in the lab along with maintenance of all lab equipment.
• Maintain documentation and records of all testing in compliance with Pasteurized Milk Ordinance requirements.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment, conduct validation testing, and maintain calibration documentation.
• Provide timely and accurate testing of products.
• Ensure proper laboratory procedures are followed as outlined by Darigold’s Corporate Quality Department and Rainier Laboratory Department
• Maintain environmental swabbing program, track and report results.
• Ensure that all products’ analytical, micro, and organoleptic properties follow product and regulatory specifications. This includes:
  • Tasting products on their expiry date to ensure product quality.
  • Communicating test results to QA supervisor, QA Manager, and other Management as deemed necessary.
• Obtain finished product and Raw line samples for micro and analytic testing.
  • Prepare samples for testing, ensuring sterility and avoiding contamination.
  • Receive samples in an organized manner, maintaining integrity.
• Performing extra tests when needed, ability to think critically and troubleshoot.
• Must be able to climb product tank ladders up to 40ft high.
• Must be able to lift/push/pull 50lbs.
• Performs environmental monitoring duties around the facility as required by program standards.

This position will also assist with:

• Third party audit review and response, assisting as needed during audits.
• Validating methodology
• Regulatory compliance
• Trouble-shooting issues
• Special projects
• General cleanliness and sanitation of the site and laboratory

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform analytical and micro tests such that results agree with a standard and/or duplicate testing by a recognized laboratory as well as a basic understanding of microbiology and familiarity with plating methods.
• Must be flexible and willing to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• BA or BS preferred in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry
• Lab Experience
• 1 – 2 years of experience in the food industry is preferred