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Milk Lab Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Milk Lab Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do milk lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab technician in Riverside, CA is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Milk Lab Technicians face, and how can they be addressed?

Milk Lab Technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, accurately performing multiple tests under time constraints, and ensuring the precision of results to meet regulatory requirements. Staying organized and following standardized protocols can help minimize errors and cross-contamination. Regular training and effective communication with team members also support a smooth workflow and help resolve issues quickly as they arise.

How to become a milk lab technician?

To become a milk lab technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary education such as an associate degree or certification in dairy science, microbiology, or food technology. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, quality control, and safety protocols, often complemented by on-the-job training or internships in dairy or food testing laboratories.

What is a Milk Lab Technician?

A Milk Lab Technician is a professional who works in laboratories, typically within dairy processing plants or hospitals, to analyze and test milk and milk-based products. They are responsible for performing quality control tests, ensuring safety standards, and sometimes preparing specialized milk, such as infant formula in neonatal units. Their work helps ensure that milk is safe for consumption and meets all regulatory requirements. Milk Lab Technicians use various scientific instruments and follow strict protocols to detect contaminants or measure nutritional content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, you need a background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety protocols, often supported by a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microbiological testing methods, and quality control systems like HACCP is vital. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help technicians excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the consistent delivery of safe dairy products.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often specialized positions such as clinical laboratory managers, biomedical laboratory directors, or those working in pharmaceutical or biotech industries. These roles typically require advanced certifications, management skills, and experience, and can offer salaries significantly higher than standard lab technician positions.

What is a dairy lab technician job description?

A dairy lab technician is responsible for analyzing milk and dairy products to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. They perform tests using laboratory equipment, record data accurately, and follow safety protocols, often requiring knowledge of microbiology and chemistry. The role may involve working in a laboratory environment with a focus on quality control and product testing.

What do milk technicians do?

Milk lab technicians are responsible for testing and analyzing milk samples to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. They operate laboratory equipment, record data accurately, and may assist in processing or quality control procedures within dairy or milk production facilities.

What is the difference between Milk Lab Technician vs Dairy Quality Control Technician?

AspectMilk Lab TechnicianDairy Quality Control Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree, certifications in lab testingRequires similar certifications, often with additional quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories within dairy plants, testing milk samplesField and plant settings, inspecting dairy products and facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in dairy processing facilitiesUsed in dairy farms and processing plants for quality assurance
Job FocusTesting milk for quality, composition, and safetyMonitoring dairy products for quality standards and compliance

Both roles involve ensuring dairy products meet safety and quality standards, often requiring similar certifications. While Milk Lab Technicians focus on laboratory testing within processing plants, Dairy Quality Control Technicians may work both in the field and in labs to oversee overall product quality. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Milk Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA? For Milk Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Milk Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Milk Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Milk Lab Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Milk Lab Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Milk Lab Technician job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,891 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Laboratory Technician

County of San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$39K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

480th of 840 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $39,811.20 - $53,643.20 Annually
Location : Ontario, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-12027-01
Department: Public Health
Division: 93330-Disease Control - Labratory
Opening Date: 07/04/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The Job
The Department of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for Laboratory Technicians to support operations in the Public Health Laboratory. Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and, under direction, conduct molecular and standardized bacteriological tests on milk products, wastewater, and other environmental samples. Responsibilities include receiving and labeling clinical specimens such as stool, blood, urine, sputum, and animal tissue, as well as environmental samples including food, vector control, and wastewater. Incumbents enter data into the laboratory information system, prepare and process samples according to standardized procedures, and prepare sterile solutions, stains, and slides for examination. Additional duties include performing test procedures on milk products in accordance with state and federal standards, participating in state proficiency programs, conducting molecular tests on wastewater samples to detect pathogens, and maintaining accurate records to support quality control. Laboratory Technicians also assist with corrective action reports related to test quality control failures, set up equipment for specimen examination, and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment with appropriate documentation.
For more detailed information, refer to the Laboratory Technician job description.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Work Location: The San Bernardino County Public Health Laboratory is located in Ontario, CA. Candidates must indicate their availability in the supplemental questionnaire.
Work Schedule: The position is Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM with the possibility of call-back for urgent lab testing. Positions in DPH are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be scheduled to work after-hours, weekends and holidays to cover emergency response.
Working Conditions: Incumbents are routinely exposed to dangerous chemicals and infectious materials.
Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening.
Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet one (1) of the following options:
Option 1 - Education: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in biology, chemistry, laboratory science, molecular biology; or a closely related field. A list of completed college coursework must be attached with the application, if the candidate does not possess an Associate degree or higher.
Option 2 - Certification: Certificate of proficiency in dairy bacteriology and laboratory procedures relating to milk analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture. The certificate must be attached to your application for consideration.
Option 3 - Experience: One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience receiving, preparing, and processing specimens in a clinical, public health, commercial food or environmental laboratory setting.
Desired Qualifications
Laboratory work experience in a food, environmental or molecular biology environment is highly desirable.
Selection Process
There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.
Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 PM, Friday, July 31, 2026. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
If you need technical assistance, follow this link to or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):San Bernardino County is an and Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for allemployees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation:If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the within one week of the recruitmentfiling deadline.
Veterans' Preference:Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the
For more important details,
Technical & Inspection Unit
San Bernardino County offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of other voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
Please review the appropriate * for more information
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the for more detailed information.
*Retirement benefits subject to change.
01
Instructions: The following questions will be used to help determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Your responses will also provide a basis for a Competitive Evaluation that will determine your placement on the eligible list. Please ensure that any experience indicated in your responses is clearly detailed in the employment history section of your application.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

02
Qualifying Option: Indicate which option you are qualifying under.
  • Option 1: Education
  • Option 2: Certification
  • Option 3: Experience
  • None of the above

03
Certificate: Do you possess a certificate of proficiency in dairy bacteriology and laboratory procedure relating to milk analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Laboratory Experience: Indicate the amount of full-time experience you possess receiving, preparing, and processing specimens for tests and analysis in a clinical, public health, commercial food or environmental laboratory setting.
  • 3 or more years of experience.
  • 2 years of experience
  • 1 year of experience
  • A minimum of 6 months of experience
  • No experience

05
Laboratory Experience: Do you possess experience in a food or environmental laboratory?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Food or Environmental Laboratory Experience: If you possess experience in a food or environmental laboratory describe your experience. Indicate your duties, employer name and dates of employment. If you do not possess this experience, indicate "N/A".
07
Education: Indicate the highest level of education you posses. If you possess an Associate degree or higher, provide degree information as demonstrated below. If you do not possess a degree, indicate "N/A". Example: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Loma Linda University, 2022.
08
Applicant Acknowledgement - Notification via email: As part of our efforts to increase efficiency and promote conservation of resources, human resources uses email to communicate with applicants. Therefore, all future communications regarding this recruitment, including applicant status and testing notifications, will be made via email. Each applicant needs their own email address. We strongly encourage you, as an applicant, to ensure that the email address you have provided us with your application is current, secure, confidential, and readily accessible to you. Adjust Spam and/or other filters so that our emails are accepted. Please carefully read any notices that we send you and follow any instructions provided in a timely manner. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails (i.e., for the non-delivery of our emails or if you fail to check your e-mail on a timely basis).
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the above.

09
**ATTENTION GMAIL USERS**
We have become aware of an increase in Gmail's spam filter sensitivity. Due to this change, it is possible that emails coming from San Bernardino County Human Resources may be marked as spam and will not make it into your Gmail inbox.
For your convenience, the attached PDF document contains a step-by-step guide to create and apply filters within Gmail. To access the guide, Once downloaded, follow the instructions so that you will receive future emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources.
Note: If you apply the filters and still do not receive emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources you can check your (Neogov) account inbox. All notifications will appear there.
  • I understand

10
Applicant Acknowledgement - Application Complete: Thank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all information provided prior to submitting it as you cannot update or revise it once submitted. Your submitted application will be reviewed and evaluated as is. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
  • I acknowledge that I have reviewed my application and understand that I will not be able to update or revise any part of it once submitted.

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