Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

• The Laboratory Technician performs laboratory testing on production and finished product samples to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards for dairy-related products.
• This role supports safe, efficient manufacturing by ensuring that products meet all quality, safety, and labeling specifications, while maintaining accurate records and collaborating closely with production and quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory testing on finished products, in-process samples, and incoming materials according to laboratory and operations schedules.
• Conduct and evaluate product testing results and determine compliance with internal standards and applicable regulations.
• Release compliant product from hold status using the computerized inventory management system and document all decisions accurately.
• Inspect and verify the sanitary condition of processing lines, fillers, tanks, and overall production areas, including conducting ATP swabbing and visual inspections.
• Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments to ensure correct formulation and documentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory work areas, equipment, and tools in accordance with sanitation and GMP standards.
• Communicate openly and effectively with the Quality Control team, production personnel, and other departments to share test results, concerns, and recommendations.
• Conduct bacteria and shelf-life testing on fresh and stressed samples and document results in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain the laboratory logbook and Hold/Disposition Log for the assigned shift, updating entries as testing and product status change.
• Log and send Certificates of Analysis (COAs) upon completion of required testing.
• Perform Titratable Acidity (TA) tests using all required methods and record results according to procedures.
• Conduct allergen testing as required and document findings in accordance with food safety protocols.
• Perform sterile sampling of tanks and report results promptly to appropriate personnel.
• Complete and report product testing using tally sheets and Product Testing Records, including microbiological reports.
• Perform cryoscope testing on milk products and interpret results to verify product integrity.
• Verify that product labels are correct and compliant with specifications before release.
• Conduct external quality assessment (EQA) testing as required.
• Complete shelf-life sensory testing and participate in required annual sensory training.
• Perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate laboratory equipment and methods.
• Conduct product sterility testing on samples received into the laboratory and document outcomes.
• Update logs and results for Product Hold and Disposition, follow up on held product, and support timely resolution of product status.
• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to enter, verify, and review analytical, sensory, and microbiological test results.
• Achieve assigned goals in production support, safety, quality, performance, and cost effectiveness.
• Identify and report mechanical malfunctions to help improve productivity and equipment capability, and collaborate with operators to resolve concerns when appropriate.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provide assistance and support to all areas in the production facility as assigned by the supervisor or lead, including learning key production areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.
• Gain competence in line circuits and learn to verify that proper hookups are made throughout the facility.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by the supervisor or lead.
• Remain compliant with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety on the assigned shift and promptly report concerns to the supervisor or lead.
• Work safely at all times, report safety concerns promptly, and take appropriate corrective actions to maintain a safe environment.
• Report food safety issues, initiate appropriate actions, and support SQF requirements by maintaining food safety and food quality standards.
• Ensure work areas remain sanitary and strictly adhere to all sanitation practices.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and with other departments to ensure continuity of operations and information flow.
• Report to work at scheduled times and communicate any tardiness or absences to the assigned supervisor or manager in advance whenever possible.
• Report to work in a condition fit for duty and capable of performing assigned tasks safely and effectively.
• Comply with performance criteria and standards of conduct as described in company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe work environment at all times and take immediate action to correct or report safety concerns.
• Complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities accurately and within required timeframes.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform basic to complex mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and use of weights and measures, to support testing and data analysis.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to understand and perform job functions and document work clearly.
• Ability to operate facility and laboratory equipment required in the assigned area, including testing instruments and related tools.
• Ability to interpret company documents, procedures, literature, and code information such as UPC and product codes.
• Demonstrated capability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality and safety policies.
• Experience working in a laboratory, quality control, chemistry, biology, or related environment, preferably within the food or dairy industry.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work safely, recognize potential hazards, and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members across shifts and departments.
• Ability to complete required company training and apply learned concepts in daily work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in dairy science, food science, or a closely related field is highly preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in a food industry laboratory setting is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices related to microbiology, chemistry, and sensory evaluation in a dairy or food manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with dairy processing operations and quality control requirements.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar electronic data management systems.
• Understanding of SQF or similar food safety and quality management systems.
• Awareness of the organization’s mission, goals, and how the role contributes to achieving them.
• Ability to learn and build competence in operating production equipment such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines as needed.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training, including annual sensory evaluation training.

Work Environment

• This role is based in a production and laboratory environment that supports the manufacture of dairy-related products.
• The position involves working with laboratory instruments and equipment for microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory testing, as well as using computerized systems such as inventory management tools and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• The Laboratory Technician regularly moves between the lab and production areas to perform inspections, sampling, and sanitation verification.
• The schedule includes a mid-shift option from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on a 2-2-3 rotating schedule, and overall operations may require morning, afternoon, or overnight availability depending on assigned shift and business needs.
• The environment emphasizes strict adherence to GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety requirements.
• Team members maintain a professional appearance and comply with GMP dress code standards and position-appropriate attire while working in a fast-paced, safety-focused setting that requires collaboration with production and quality teams.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cortland, NY.

The pay range for this position is $24.50 - $24.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Cortland,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.