Laboratory Technician Assistant

**Job Title**:Laboratory Technician Assistant
**Contract Length**: 12 months starting in January 2025
**Location: Winchester, ON**
*located a 45 min drive south of Ottawa. No public transportation system readily available.

**About Us**:
Lactalis Canada is enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians with a diverse offering of dairy products such as Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings; our products are in 93% of Canadian homes For over 140 years we've grown through innovation and a strong dedication to quality, and we're looking for like minded individuals to keep that growth progressing by joining our team

Lactalis is one of Canada's leading producers of premium quality food products including milk, cheese, and yogurt. We are currently recruiting a Quality Technician Assistant to join our processing department in our production facility in Winchester, Ontario which produces butter, cheese, powder, and margarine.

**About the opportunity**:
As a member of the Quality Team the Quality Technician Assistant will support all aspects of product and wastewater testing and monitoring of production environment quality to ensure that products meet food and quality specifications. Duties are performed through the use of equipment, auditing techniques, inspection, and testing method. In addition will assist with HACCP and PQMS program support, and documentation management.

**The attributes we are looking for**:

- Ensure precise collection and analysis of wastewater and food samples, adhering to established standard operating procedures (SOPs), to guarantee the accuracy and integrity of testing results in compliance with industry standards.
- Provide support to the Quality team to ensure compliance with HACCP, and QLS program requirements through on-going development, enhancement, and verification of the program elements.
- Update Standard Operating Procedures and processes on the floor and identify discrepancies between current SOPs and actual data from floor.
- Maintain in-house product specifications for each SKU ensuring all information such as cheese, packaging, and rework is correct and up to date.
- Assist with maintaining the Internal Quality Audit Program.
- Aid in performing pre-audit preparations including gathering of information for quality audits by government, third party, customers, and corporate and assist auditors while at the facility.
- Support quality improvement through investigation and resolution of non-conformances due and modifying documentation to reflect improvements. Participate in trouble-shooting quality issues.
- Maintain program and documented records as needed.

**What you will bring**:

- Currently pursuing post-secondary education in food science, or related field of study.
- Previous experience in a food lab or wastewater lab an asset
- Knowledge of analytical and microbiological testing with respect to dairy food products and ability to problem solve an asset
- Knowledge of industry recognized quality control systems such as HACCP or ISO methodology is considered an asset
- Thorough understanding of laboratory operations
- Detail oriented
- Organized
- Strong troubleshooting and continuous improvement skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient with standard office computer technology such as Microsoft Office products as well as business systems such as SAP
- Valid driver's license an asset

**What Lactalis will offer**:
Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following package for students:

- A Competitive Wage
- 8% vacation pay
- Extended Health & Dental Benefits starting day 1 (including $750 towards both mental health practitioners and physiotherapy, and more)
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Potential for future full time permanent opportunities
- On-site cheese store

**Our ESG commitment**:
Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

**Our commitment to DEI**:
Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permane