Milk Tech Specialist - 141874
Department: Clinical Nutrition | Worksite: Jacobs Medical Center | Appointment: Career, 100% | Union: EX Contract | Schedule: Days, 8-hour shifts, Sunday–Saturday | Filing deadline: 10/30/2026 | Job ID: #141874
This is a UC San Diego internal recruitment open to UCSD and UCSD Health System staff only.
About the role
Under general supervision, the Milk Lab Specialist is responsible performing specific tasks related to the receipt and transportation of raw milk; preparation, pasteurization, and dispensing of donor human milk to be supplied to hospitals, families, and other non-profit milk banks; preparation of fortified human milk and formula to be supplied to hospitalized patients. Serves as a resource for trouble shooting pasteurization and shipping processes; preparation and dispensing of prepared nutrition feedings; assists with developing and implementing process improvements, serves as a lead and mentor to junior counter parts. May perform other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Receipt and transportation of raw milk
- Preparation, pasteurization, and dispensing of donor human milk for hospitals, families, and non-profit milk banks
- Preparation of fortified human milk and formula for hospitalized patients
- Troubleshooting pasteurization and shipping processes
- Preparation and dispensing of prepared nutrition feedings
- Assisting with developing and implementing process improvements
- Serving as a lead and mentor to junior counterparts
Requirements
- Food Handler Education Certification
- Three (3) years of relevant experience handling breast milk (mixing/preparing, receiving, disposing) within a healthcare or milk bank setting, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Dry ice handler card within 90 days
- Solid computer skills for effective data recording
- Ability to utilize specialized equipment
- High attention to detail, deadlines, accuracy, and organization
- Knowledge of shipping requirements and hazardous materials
- Ability to properly identify, prioritize, and handle all supply inventory in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience as a milk tech, feedings room preparation, surgical tech, lab tech, or med tech
- Experience with receiving, storage, and processing of biological materials
- Demonstrated knowledge of Human Milk Banking standards
Special conditions
- Employment subject to criminal background check and pre-employment physical
- Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs
- Compliance with UC Policy on Vaccination Programs (may be amended)
- Life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification not acceptable
- Misconduct disclosure requirement: final candidate must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct, or appeals of substantiated misconduct findings
Pay
Hourly range: $41.86 – $52.08
Annual full pay range: $87,404 – $108,743 (prorated if appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Factors in determining compensation include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The hiring pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay; the annual full pay range may be broader based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements.
Schedule
Days, 8-hour shifts, Sunday through Saturday.