Dairy Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a full range of quality-related tasks, including laboratory testing and plant quality monitoring, to ensure that all dairy and plant-based cultured products meet strict safety and quality standards. This role conducts microbiological, shelf-life, fat, solids, and allergen testing where appropriate, and supports facility programs such as ATP swabbing, air and water quality monitoring, environmental pathogen monitoring, and sampling of raw materials, work in process, and finished products. All activities require accurate documentation and record keeping in alignment with established SQF documentation control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine component testing of incoming materials to verify quality specifications.
• Conduct microbiological testing for raw materials, work in process, and finished products, including SPC, coliform, and yeast/mold analysis using 3M Petrifilm and PDA media plating.
• Carry out sensory evaluation of products during shelf-life studies and at the end of shelf-life to assess product quality and acceptability.
• Complete equipment pre-operational inspections, including visual checks and ATP swabbing, to confirm sanitation effectiveness.
• Monitor air quality within the facility using RCS air samplers and PDA pour plates to detect potential contamination.
• Monitor water quality within the facility, including testing for coliforms and total plate counts (TPC).
• Perform environmental pathogen swabbing in designated areas of the facility to support food safety programs.
• Conduct allergen testing of equipment and products where appropriate to verify effective cleaning and prevent cross-contact.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of all laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables to support continuous operations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation and records for all testing, monitoring, and quality activities in accordance with SQF documentation control procedures.
• Coordinate with third-party laboratories for sampling and testing as needed, ensuring proper handling, submission, and communication of results.
• Assist the quality team with additional duties and projects as needed to support overall quality and food safety programs.
• Perform ATP swabs and other microbiology testing as part of routine quality control activities.
• Execute chemistry and microbiology plating procedures, including swabbing and sample preparation, in support of laboratory analyses.
• Support quality control efforts as a Laboratory Technician by verifying that finished products meet established specifications and standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing methods, including SPC, coliform, and yeast/mold analysis using 3M Petrifilm and PDA media.
• Ability to perform sensory evaluation of dairy and plant-based products during and at the end of shelf-life studies.
• Proficiency in equipment pre-operational inspections, including visual inspection and ATP swabbing for sanitation verification.
• Experience with air quality monitoring using RCS air samplers and PDA pour plates.
• Experience with water quality monitoring, including coliform and total plate count (TPC) testing.
• Ability to perform environmental pathogen swabbing in a food manufacturing environment.
• Capability to conduct allergen testing on equipment and products where appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record keeping, following formal quality and SQF procedures.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with third-party laboratories for sampling and testing.
• Comfort working with dairy products and performing sensory testing without dairy-related allergies.
• Willingness to work a 2nd shift schedule and be open to working one weekend day as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing or dairy processing environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with SQF or similar food safety and quality management systems.
• Experience with quality control in laboratory and plant settings, including swabbing, microbiology testing, and chemistry testing.
• Ability to walk production floors and verify adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative crew.
• Organizational skills to manage laboratory inventory and multiple testing activities simultaneously.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities.
• Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision benefits, and 401(k), with access to partner perks such as cell phone and consumer goods discounts.
• Eligibility for sick pay and accrued paid time off in accordance with applicable policies.

Work Environment

This position is based in a fast-paced, small laboratory located inside a dairy manufacturing plant that produces both dairy and plant-based cultured products, including buttermilk, sour cream, heavy cream, ice cream, soft serve, yogurt mixes, conventional yogurt, strained Greek yogurt, dairy alternatives such as almond, coconut, and oat yogurt, as well as seasonal items like eggnog. The lab is functional but somewhat outdated and is not a clean room environment. The Lab Technician works closely with a small, friendly crew on 2nd shift who collaborate well and maintain a positive atmosphere. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with openness to working one weekend day as needed. The role requires walking on the production floor to ensure compliance with GMPs and to collect samples, typically yogurt or milk-based products, including premium ice cream brands. The facility uses refrigerators and freezers, so the Lab Technician should be comfortable working in cold temperatures for short periods. Dress code includes company-provided PPE, closed-toe shoes, and no jewelry to support safety and hygiene requirements.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Commerce, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Commerce,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 15, 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.

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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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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