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Milk Lab Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Production Specialist

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$19.43 - $29.14/hr

Receiving of milk and cream loads into the plant, retrieve and enter lab results. Report out on discrepancies and work with corporate teams to reconcile. * Finished good, Packaging and Ingredients ...

Milk Lab information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$14

$25

$38

How much do milk lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab in Seattle, WA is $25.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a milk lab and how can new team members effectively address them?

In a Milk Lab, common challenges include maintaining strict quality control standards, operating specialized testing equipment accurately, and managing time-sensitive tasks, especially during busy collection periods. New team members can address these by becoming thoroughly familiar with lab protocols, actively seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and practicing precise documentation. Strong communication skills and attention to detail will also help ensure smooth workflow and reliable results in collaboration with the broader dairy operations team.

What is a milk lab and what does a milk lab technician do?

A Milk Lab is a specialized facility within hospitals, especially neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where human milk is safely prepared, stored, and sometimes fortified for premature or ill infants. Milk Lab technicians are responsible for handling, processing, labeling, and tracking breast milk and donor milk to ensure it meets strict safety and nutritional standards. Their role is critical in supporting the health of vulnerable newborns by minimizing risks of contamination and ensuring accurate nutrition delivery.

What is the difference between Milk Lab vs Milk Technician?

AspectMilk Lab
CertificationsTypically requires food science or dairy processing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on product testing and quality control
Industry UsageUsed mainly in dairy product development and quality assurance
Job FocusResearch, formulation, and lab testing of dairy products

Milk Lab roles are primarily involved in research and development within dairy laboratories, focusing on product formulation and quality testing. Milk Technicians often work in processing plants, handling production, and ensuring product standards. While both roles require knowledge of dairy products, Milk Lab positions emphasize laboratory skills and product innovation, whereas Milk Technicians focus on production processes and operational tasks.

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 solid understanding of laboratory procedures, microbiology, and food safety standards, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and quality control certifications such as HACCP are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are crucial for maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall safety in dairy production environments.
What are popular job titles related to Milk Lab jobs in Seattle, WA? For Milk Lab jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Milk Lab jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Milk Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Milk Lab job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,332 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Production Specialist

Darigold

Issaquah, WA • On-site

$19.43 - $29.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Darigold rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Darigold is looking for a Production Specialist. The Production Specialist must possess the desire and ability to manage a variety of responsibilities such as: data entry and reporting tasks. As a member of the operations team, the Production Specialist will report to the Controller. This position is responsible for accurately recording the production and shipments of finished products including managing inventory usage and warehouse movements. The Production Specialist will be a key role in daily reporting requirements requiring Excel and analytical skills. Other duties to be performed as assigned. Occasional overtime may be required to complete assignments.

What You Will Do

  • Production reporting and reconciliation – data entry of production activity in Enterprise systems, compile data and report out on results.
  • Close production batches for bulk and finished good items. Check for pending, WIP, completed batches. Audit ingredient and packaging usage and work with the plant finance team to submit bill of material updates. Analyze potential variances associated with changes.
  • Receiving of milk and cream loads into the plant, retrieve and enter lab results. Report out on discrepancies and work with corporate teams to reconcile.
  • Finished good, Packaging and Ingredients adjustments based on cycle count results.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

  • Intermediate skills with Excel, Word and Outlook. Including pivot tables and charting
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Conveys information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents
  • Emphasis on details, accuracy and precision of transactions required
  • Excellent ability to organize information, manages tasks and projects, and use available tools to effectively contribute to the organization.
  • Ability to work well with others in a team environment
  • Must be able to work on projects with minimal supervision
  • Ability to solve problems
  • Willing to work occasional weekend-day/holidays to meet deadlines

Nice to Haves

  • Previous experience compiling reports, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
  • College Coursework in Business, finance, accounting, or supply chain preferred.
  • Experience working with enterprise systems (Oracle a plus) and reporting tools.

Benefits of Working at Darigold

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We’re proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes:

  • Employer 401K contribution of up to 5%
  • Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
  • Employer paid life & disability coverage
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave
  • Education assistance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Community giving through matching donations
  • Access to great dairy products & participation in our employee butter purchase program
  • Compensation range: $19.43 to $29.14 per hour (individual wage based on previous experience, knowledge and skills)

Our Commitment to Diversity

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.


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