Description

Position Title: Lab Technician

Job Location: 2340 East Main St., Woodland, CA

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day (schedule may vary)

Weekend and Holiday Availability Required

Travel Requirement: 10%

Reports to: QA Supervisor

I. General Overview

The Lab Technician plays a crucial role in conducting diverse food safety and quality assessments at our production facility. This position ensures La Tourangelle maintains product quality, upholds GFSI-level certification, and complies with customer expectations and regulatory standards. The Lab Technician collaborates across departments to uphold food safety, quality, and compliance standards.

II. Duties and Essential Functions

• Perform lab tests including qualitative analysis (GC and GC-MS), titrations, microbiological testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Set up and operate laboratory equipment for tests, research, and process control.
• Coordinate with third-party labs for sample testing and manage sample labeling and storage.
• Conduct daily calibration tests on pH meters, and monitor incubators and freezers weekly for temperature.
• Identify and segregate non-conforming finished goods and raw materials as needed.
• Support R&D in shelf-life studies and report findings.
• Assist QA Supervisor in interpreting lab results and other related tasks.
• Conduct environmental swabbing quarterly and weekly during vinaigrette production, and perform ATP swabs post-sanitation.
• Undertake additional assignments as directed by Senior QA Manager, related to lab duties and business needs.

Qualifications

III. Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related field; or equivalent QA work experience.
• 1-2 years of QA experience, preferably in a food production environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Foster a culture of responsiveness, self-regulation, and continuous improvement.
• Capable of meeting physical demands of the role, including climbing stairs/ladders, adhering to safety standards, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and interpretation of scientific data.
• Spanish language skills (written and verbal) are a plus.

Additional Notes

La Tourangelle values teamwork and adaptability in its employees. Feedback and improvement suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. Employees are expected to promote a positive team spirit and maintain open communication. Participation in interdepartmental meetings is highly encouraged to foster collaboration.

Note: This job description is subject to change in alignment with the evolving needs and objectives of the company.