What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician position at Darigold?
Darigold is seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician to be a part of Darigold’s Jerome Plant. The Jerome Plant Lab Technician reports to the Quality Assurance Manager and is responsible for day-to-day lab operations and for ensuring that all quality- and food-safety-related tasks are completed on time and that all products’ analytical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties comply with product and regulatory specifications. This is an hourly, non-bargaining-unit position.
What You Will Do
Benefits
We understand that, as an employee, the benefits that support you and your family, both in and out of work, are important. We are proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package that includes:
Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect, where all employees feel included and can bring their best, authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment, applicants offered a role will be
required to pass our pre-employment background screen successfully, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.
What You Will Do
- Conduct all quality and food safety-related testing.
- Maintain documentation and records of all quality and food safety-related testing.
- Report on any food quality or food safety issues.
- Calibrate laboratory equipment, conduct validation testing, and maintain calibration documentation.
- Daily review of Appendix N documentation and reporting.
- Daily review of laboratory quality data to ensure products meet specifications.
- Conduct daily product evaluations with plant management and operators to ensure consistent quality.
- Daily review of processing and quality data collected by Operators.
- Track, trend, and report key quality measures.
- Complete and maintain the vitamin fortification program and records.
- Maintain environmental swabbing program, track and report results.
- Maintain and review COAs from ingredient vendors.
- Ensure proper laboratory procedures are followed as outlined by Darigold’s Corporate Quality Department.
- This position will also assist with:
- The Plant's Food Safety Plans, in accordance with the SQF System.
- Management of the plant HACCP program.
- Management of the plant Allergen Control Program.
- Customer complaint investigation and resolution.
- Third-party audit review and response, assist as needed during audits.
- Troubleshooting plant quality issues.
- Plant quality and food safety-related training.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Special projects.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain a positive work attitude.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of organizational skills.
- Ability to perform analytical and micro tests such that results agree with a standard and/or duplicate testing per a recognized laboratory.
- Basic understanding of microbiology and familiarity with plating methods.
- Excellent aseptic technique.
- Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- BA or BS in Food Science, Biology and Microbiology, Chemistry.
- Lab Experience.
- 1-2 years’ experience in the food industry preferred.
Benefits
We understand that, as an employee, the benefits that support you and your family, both in and out of work, are important. We are proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package that includes:
- 401K with competitive employer matching
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
- Employer paid life & disability coverage
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 8 weeks (about 2 months) paid parental Leave
- Education assistance
- Employee assistance program
Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect, where all employees feel included and can bring their best, authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment, applicants offered a role will be
required to pass our pre-employment background screen successfully, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.