Vacation Relief Lab Technician

At Saputo, our best comes from our people. We’re a talented and caring team with a longstanding history of excellence. Since our first days delivering cheese on a bicycle, we’ve grown into a leading global dairy processor by staying true to the culture that defines us. Each of our employees is committed to uphold our tradition of care, quality, and passion through food, and together, we foster an environment where we can all make contributions that matter–from our manufacturing plants to our office locations and everywhere in-between.

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 resultsOperate 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 personnelRespect 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 timeMust 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 partsEnvironment is occasionally damp and cold. Caustic, acid, and chlorine chemicals will be used and may emit fumes into the airFloors may be wet and slipperyRoom temperatures will range from 35 degrees F. to an excess of 130 degrees FThe use of safety glasses, ear plugs, dust masks, rubber gloves, rubber boots and aprons are all necessary in this areaMay be required to enter a confined space.

Hourly Range: $29.63-$34.91

Saputo is among the top three cheese producers in the USA and one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products. We have a diversified product portfolio with well-known retail brands, such as Friendship Dairies, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella and Treasure Cave, and a strong foodservice presence, partnering with chain restaurants and broadline distributors. Thanks to our countrywide footprint and national and international distribution networks, we're proud to bring our best to our customers and, consumers and have plenty of opportunities for our employees to grow in their own way. And we do it while also striving to build a healthier future for our people and the communities where we operate, guided by our values and the Saputo Promise. To learn more about Saputo in the USA, please click here. (http://saputo.com/en/our-products/usa-sector)

Join the Saputo Dairy USA team to make your contributions matter every day!

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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.

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