Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Darigold is seeking an experienced and motivated Lab Technician to support our Issaquah Plant's Quality and Food Safety programs. In this role, you will conduct daily laboratory testing, maintain critical quality and regulatory records and ensure products meet Darigold's strict standards. You will also partner closely with Production teams to support process verification and drive consistent, high-quality results across the facility. Our plants create nutritious products 24/7, 365 days a year so availability to work flexible shift schedules, including weekends and holidays, as needed is a must.

Darigold is the fifth largest dairy cooperative in the United States based on milk volume and one of the largest privately held organizations headquartered in the state of Washington. Since 1918, our producers have taken pride in producing dairy products with unsurpassed quality. Today we are one of the nation's largest agricultural cooperatives, producing over 8.5 billion pounds of milk every year. Through innovative technology and our efficient, flexible production capabilities, we deliver value-added products and customer-driven solutions. Darigold is now known throughout the world for bringing fresh, wholesome dairy products and ingredients from the Northwest to people all around the globe.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct all quality and food safety related testing.
• Maintain documentation and records of all quality and food safety related testing.
• 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 specification.
• Conduct daily product evaluations with Plant management and operators to ensure consistent quality.
• Daily review of processing and quality data collected by Production Operators.
• Track, tend and report key quality measures.
• Maintain environmental swabbing program, track, and report results.
• Ensure proper laboratory procedures are followed as outlined by Darigold's Corporate Quality Department.
• This position will also assist with:
• 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
• Trouble-shooting Plant quality issues
• Special projects
• Plant quality and food safety related training
• Assist with regulatory compliance

What You Will Bring:

BA or BS in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry is preferred. Lab experience and 1-2 years of experience in the food industry is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits of Working at Darigold: We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We're proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Health and Wellness benefits
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Compensation: $29.94/hour - $34.43/hour depending on skills and experience
• Premium pay for off shifts (night, swing) and vacation relief (where applicable)

Our Commitment to Diversity: 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 and 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.