Vacation Relief Lab Technician

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

SUMMARY:

Responsible for reviewing the accuracy of all paperwork that is generated in the lab; will produce all quality related reports; will provide assistance to all laboratory technicians and other departments as required to aid in the production of quality products and the monitoring of process controls. Always adheres to all USDA, GMP, and safety regulations.

• Perform any and all analytical testing as needed (i.e. moisture, fat pH, total solids, titratable acidity, phosphates, salt, electrical conductivity, antibiotic, starter activity, etc.

• Cover vacations for all lab techs in the lab, including QA Co-coordinator and day off reliefs.

• Perform any and all bacteriological testing as required (i.e. total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, etc.)

• Perform organoleptic evaluation for milk and cheese products, including melt evaluation, shelf life evaluation etc.

• Must be able to set-up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate all pieces of laboratory equipment maintained in the laboratory and other departments.

• Perform environmental swabs as needed.

• Adheres to procedures to ensure accuracy of results

• Operate automated equipment for testing of milk, whey products, and cheese.

• Maintain professional manner when associating with Saputo personnel and others outside of the Tulare facility.

• Must follow all necessary safety precautions.

• Must be able to operate a personal computer and systems computer to input necessary data.

• Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. Confidentiality Policy.

• Recognize and notify Q.A. Supervisor/Manager or appropriate supervisor of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary rechecks for analytical and microbiological tests.

• Responsible for communication of results to proper individuals in a timely, confidential and professional manner.

• When not covering a vacation, being available to work any shifts depending on the needs of the department.

• Maintain the inventory of all lab supplies and maintain the work area in a neat and orderly fashion.

• Aid in training new laboratory personnel

• Respect physical demands of job listed in “Physical Demands” section below.

• Attendance at work is an essential job duty.  Job requires regular attendance and work to be performed at the Tulare-Levin plant site.

• All other assigned duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• More than average reasoning skills and ability to quickly understand quality systems at the plant.

• Experience using analytical machines like FT-120, Food scan, chloridometer, CEM, pH meter required.

• Should be a champion with using MS-Excel, Word, AS-400, Share point, Complaint system, and other computer systems.  Will help QA manager in degenerating reports and assuring all data in lab is kept up to date.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to perform microbiological analysis of finished products and detailed understanding of swabbing, diluting, plating and reading microbial tests.

• Ability to interpret a variety of technical information in mathematical and/or narrative form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

• Previous experience with Maestro and positive release hold program required.

• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, with good time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours.  This job will not have fixed days off.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Values that align with the Saputo culture: Efficiency through Simplicity, Family Environment, Ownership and Commitment, Hands-On Approach, Passion.

Associates degree in Dairy Science, Food Science or a related field is a must; previous work experience in QA laboratory is a must; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an