Lab Tech II - CC

Description SUMMARY

The Laboratory Technician II supports food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance by performing routine microbiological and chemical testing on in-process, finished product, and environmental samples. This role supports HACCP activities, prepares samples and media for internal and external testing, completes accurate data entry and documentation, and assists with audits, investigations, and special projects. The position also provides day-to-day guidance to team members and serves as an operational backup to the laboratory supervisor as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conducts basic microbiological or chemical analysis testing on in-process and finished product to support operational needs and ensure regulatory and customer compliance.
• Provides Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan related production support such as phosphatase testing and environmental monitoring.
• Enters and maintains accurate data in company databases for converting items, including weekend production at Sartori Whey.
• Prepares laboratory testing materials, media and samples for outside laboratory testing.
• Occasionally provides support for laboratory certification checks, inspections, and internal customer audits.
• Supports various projects and studies through sample collection and preparation, and recording results.
• Performs microbiological analysis of production equipment and environment to ensure safe food production.
• Rotates, cleans and maintains the Quality Assurance (QA) sample retain library.
• Answers questions from team members and provides hands‑on direction and guidance where needed.
• Periodically monitors day‑to‑day tasks and reassigns responsibilities, as needed, to back up the supervisor.
• Performs daily check standards on the Milk-O-Scan at cheesemake facilities.
• Demonstrates understanding of sample collection processes and the operations of each facility.
• Assists with streaking and isolating organisms on media and coordinates samples for external laboratory analysis.
• Supports growth promotion testing activities.
• Assists with out‑of‑specification investigations.
• Completes customer, supplier, and internal Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Responds effectively to unexpected or urgent laboratory needs.
• Completes assigned monthly, quarterly, and biannual laboratory tasks in support of FDA 2400-series requirements.
• Occasionally reviews and signs daily laboratory documentation, as authorized.
• Ensures laboratory supplies are adequately stocked and places orders as needed.
• Trains and supports new team members on established laboratory procedures and policies.
• Promptly reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.

This position is not responsible for leading others.

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. The accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate degree in a natural science field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of related quality experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Experience in a dairy facility is preferred.

• Alignment with Company Values:
  Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Technical Knowledge:
  Advanced understanding of microbiological and chemical laboratory testing principles, techniques, and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Mathematical & Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Competence in performing mathematical calculations related to dilutions, conversions, concentrations, and measurements using metric and imperial systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or…