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Quality Lab Technician

As a Quality Lab Technician, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products. You will assist in the sanitation of the lab and equipment, conduct various tests and evaluations on products, and collaborate with the quality team to uphold high standards in food safety and quality control.

Responsibilities

+ Sanitize the lab and equipment to maintain a clean working environment.

+ Prepare dilutions of milk and conduct chemical testing.

+ Verify the success of pasteurization by plating samples for E. coli and bacteria testing.

+ Incubate samples for further analysis.

+ Conduct testing of in-house water (city water) and perform sensory testing on milk, chocolate milk, and ice cream.

+ Package and label samples for external shipment.

+ Engage with Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives and promote a culture of safety.

+ Perform sensory evaluations of product samples, both fresh and at shelf life.

+ Prepare samples, media, and solutions for chemical, physical, and microbiological analysis.

+ Conduct accurate microbiological analysis, including Coliform, Standard Plate Count, Yeast & Mold.

+ Perform chemical and physical analyses such as Antibiotics, Freeze point analysis, Phosphatase, butterfat, Total solids, Brix, Titratable Acidity, and Vitamin analysis.

+ Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment like Foss FT120, Cryoscope, Horiba, Brix, and pH meters.

+ Perform quality checks and escalate any non-compliance issues to the quality leadership team.

+ Conduct pre-operational and sanitation checks, including visual inspections and ATP swabbing.

+ Check finished product labels, coding, and packaging.

+ Collect, transport, store, test, and dispose of samples properly.

+ Maintain the Environmental Monitoring and Allergen Programs, including air and water quality assessments.

+ Coordinate sampling and shipments with third-party laboratories and handle customer requests.

+ Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring proper stock levels and rotation.

+ Organize and maintain production and quality control records in compliance with regulations.

+ Enter data and create reports promptly and accurately.

+ Ensure records are accurate and legible, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

+ Maintain laboratory cleanliness and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).

+ Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and established quality and safety policies.

+ Participate in laboratory proficiency programs and identify process improvements.

+ Orient and instruct others in job duties when required.

+ Assist Quality Assurance Supervisor and Manager in special projects and other assigned duties.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Agriculture, or a related science field preferred.

+ Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

+ Understanding of quality assurance and HACCP systems.

+ Ability to work well in a team and independently.

+ Strong time management and organizational skills.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

+ Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in the microbiology field, either academic or industry-related.

+ Experience demonstrating teamwork, time management, and process improvement abilities.

+ Students from UC Davis are a plus.

+ Self-starter with the ability to complete tasks without close supervision.

+ Exposure to the dairy industry is beneficial.

Work Environment

This position is a night shift, working from 6:00 pm - 2:30 am. The role involves working 70% in the lab and 30% in the plant/data/paperwork. The quality team consists of three technicians, an SQF coordinator, and a QA manager. You will primarily work independently in the lab, with some crossover with other technicians at the beginning and end of your shift. Support is available from the QA manager or SQF coordinator if needed. Occasionally, there may be collaboration with the sanitation supervisor.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reno,NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.