<p>Job Title: Lab Technician</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>The Lab Technician supports safe, high-quality dairy and beverage production by performing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. This role ensures products meet strict quality and safety standards by monitoring key process parameters, maintaining accurate records, and supporting internal audits in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Test all pasteurized milk to verify proper pasteurization and homogenization. </li><li>Perform temperature checks on all pasteurized and raw milk storage tanks to ensure compliance with specifications. </li><li>Test empty product containers for microbial contamination before use in production. </li><li>Aseptically plate in-process and packaged product samples for microbial contamination analysis. </li><li>Conduct finished product testing during daily start-ups and changeovers, including evaluation of chemical and physical properties as well as organoleptic testing. </li><li>Monitor in-process culture tanks and collect samples at designated intervals to check temperature and pH levels. </li><li>Monitor and review temperature recording charts to verify process control and identify deviations. </li><li>Organize, label, and rotate all laboratory samples on a daily basis to maintain accurate sample management. </li><li>Assist with daily cleaning and routine maintenance of all laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation. </li><li>Perform daily cleaning tasks in the laboratory to maintain a clean and safe work area. </li><li>Prepare all necessary laboratory reagents needed throughout the shift according to established procedures. </li><li>Clean and autoclave all glassware and reusable testing equipment to maintain sterility and readiness for use. </li><li>Collect chemical samples from the production floor to test for proper concentration and usage. </li><li>Autoclave necessary laboratory and plant equipment to support sanitary operations. </li><li>Perform instrument calibrations as scheduled to ensure accurate and reliable test results. </li><li>Assist with the internal auditing program by supporting documentation, record review, and compliance checks. </li><li>Enter the production floor periodically throughout the shift to pull random samples from filler lines for testing. </li><li>Maintain accurate records of all tests, observations, and results in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements. </li><li>Collaborate with production and quality teams to communicate test results and help resolve quality issues when they arise. </li></ul> <p>Essential Skills</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related scientific field. </li><li>Foundational knowledge of chemistry and biology principles applicable to laboratory testing. </li><li>Understanding of microbiology and aseptic technique for plating and handling samples. </li><li>Familiarity with quality assurance practices in a laboratory or manufacturing environment. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <p>Lab Technicians work closely with the production floor, frequently entering production areas to collect samples from filler lines and process tanks. The environment involves routine use of laboratory instruments, autoclaves, glassware, reagents, and temperature and pH monitoring equipment.</p> <p>Job Type & Location</p> <p>This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.</p> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.</p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li>Medical, dental & vision </li><li>Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital </li><li>401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available </li><li>Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) </li><li>Short and long-term disability </li><li>Health Spending Account (HSA) </li><li>Transportation benefits </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) </li></ul> <p>Workplace Type</p> <p>This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.</p> <p>Application Deadline</p> <p>This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.</p> <p>Diversity, Equity & Inclusion</p> <p>At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:</p> <ul> <li>Hiring diverse talent </li><li>Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection </li><li>Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes </li><li>Ensuring growth opportunities for our people </li></ul> <p>Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.</p> <p>About Actalent</p> <p>Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.</p> <p>Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.</p>