Lab Tech I - Crescent City

About the role

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing microbiological, chemical, and physical analyses of cheese and dairy products to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. This role supports both quality control and product development efforts in a dynamic food production environment.

Responsibilities

• Conducts basic microbiological or chemical analysis testing on in-process and finished product to support operational needs and ensure regulatory and customer compliance.
• Maintains QA testing and calibration documents and work instructions.
• Completes activity logs such as non-conformance, product hold/release, and outside testing.
• Provides HACCP plan related production support such as phosphatase testing and environmental monitoring.
• Enters data into Company databases.
• Prepares laboratory testing materials, media and samples for outside laboratory testing.
• Provides support for laboratory certification checks, inspections and internal customer audits.
• Performs calibration checks and maintains QA laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Manages calibration program for site, including scales, thermometers, and foreign material detection devices.
• Aids with 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.
• Assists or conducts investigations on non-conformances.
• Trends and reporting of microbiological and analytical results.
• Conducts routine facility inspections as required.
• Conducts documentation audits as required.
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent is required.
• Experience in a dairy facility is preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting is preferred.
• Alignment with Company Values: Consistently demonstrates Sartori’s core values of family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility in all interactions and decisions.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change, remaining flexible and resilient in dynamic laboratories and production environments.
• Analytical Thinking: Applies strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret test data, identify trends, and resolve quality or performance issues efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy and precision when performing lab tests, recording results, and monitoring quality control procedures.
• Embrace Change: Embraces change by maintaining knowledge and performance to current standards with updates to policies, procedures, and testing methodologies.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and respectfully across all levels of the organization. Provides accurate, concise, and timely information in both written and verbal formats.
• Regulatory & Technical Knowledge: Understands and applies Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) as well as relevant regulatory standards such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), and Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products (SMEDP) for microbiological and chemical testing of food products.
• Quality & Safety Compliance: Maintains a strong working knowledge of governmental regulations related to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and food safety protocols.
• Mathematical Competence: Utilizes intermediate math skills to accurately complete calculations involving measurements, unit conversions, and quantitative test data.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and laboratory information systems.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as JD Edwards is preferred.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Efficiently organizes workload to meet multiple deadlines and adjusts priorities as needed to support team and business objectives.
• Self-Motivation: Operates independently with a strong sense of initiative and accountability, consistently following through on responsibilities without constant supervision.

Certifications

• Obtain California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Milk and Cream Testers license within 12 months of hire.
• HACCP within 6 months of hire.
• PCQI within 6 months of hire.
• Internal Auditing (preferred).

Work Location

This is an onsite position at our Crescent City Creamery located in Crescent City, CA. Travel Requirements Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands or arms, taste or smell.
• The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Setting / Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be exposed to hazardous substances as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.