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 employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to stoop, kneel, and squat for several minutes at a time
• Must be able to stand on feet for at least a two hour consecutive time period.
• Must be able to lift up to forty five (45) pounds.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Must be able to wok at high elevations.
• Requires light typing.
• Must be able to enter into confined spaces.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
• Employee is required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and ability to adjust focus.
  
  
  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts
• Environment is occasionally damp and cold. Caustic, acid, and chlorine chemicals will be used and may emit fumes into the air
• Floors may be wet and slippery
• Room temperatures will range from 35 degrees F. to an excess of 130 degrees F
• The use of safety glasses, ear plugs, dust masks, rubber gloves, rubber boots and aprons are all necessary in this area
• May be required to enter a confined space.
  
  
  

Hourly Range: $30.67-$36.14

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC endeavors to make CareersUSA.Saputo.com accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.

To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA LLC Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).