Job Title: Quality Technician Intern

Location: Winchester, ON Duration: 4-month contract Contract terms: September 2026 - December 2026

About Us

Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.

Lactalis Student Program

At Lactalis, we are committed to cultivating talent and providing enriching opportunities that ignite passion and foster growth in our future leaders. Our student program is designed to nurture your potential by providing you with enriching work experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Lactalis Canada’s student program encourages curiosity, creativity, professional development, and personal growth. Not only will you develop your expertise through hands-on experiences, but you will also join a thriving network of Lactalis Students across Canada. All students will have the chance to participate in social events, group trainings and workshops, manufacturing plant tours, and an end-of semester project!

We are invested in your long-term success and aim to equip you with skills and experiences that will fuel your future!

About the opportunity

As a member of the Quality Team, the Quality Technician Intern will assist in product testing and monitoring of production environment quality to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. The intern will gain hands-on experience using laboratory equipment, auditing techniques, inspection, and testing methods. Additional responsibilities include supporting food safety programs, CCP verification, and documentation management.

The attributes we are looking for

Assist with analytical, microbiological, chemistry, and sensory testing of in-process and finished product samples following standard operating procedures. Record and evaluate test data; report any deviations to the Quality Supervisor. Support root cause analysis and corrective action processes. Participate in raw material screening and monitoring tests. Help administer Environmental Monitoring and Water Quality programs (sampling, testing, recording data). Assist with shelf-life evaluations and product trials requiring chemical or microbiological testing. Support preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment. Monitor release of finished products and ensure compliance with food safety procedures. Perform administrative tasks such as maintaining records, logs, and inventory checks. Participate in Health & Safety initiatives as required.

What you will bring

You might be the perfect fit if you are: Currently enrolled in a college or university program in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field. Strong interest in food quality and safety standards. Basic knowledge of analytical and microbiological testing methods. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Good organizational and time management skills. Effective communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word & Excel); familiarity with SAP is an asset. Awareness of HACCP and GMP principles is considered an advantage.

What Lactalis will offer

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its students with the following student package:

A welcoming and passionate team

Hands-on, meaningful projects An environment where your ideas truly matter A great addition to your resume (and maybe more…) A competitive salary 8% vacation pay Health & dental benefits starting day 1 (including coverage for vision, mental health practitioners, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, naturopathy, and more!)

Social events with other students

Opportunities to learn about different functions within our company

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 permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.

Compensation

As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is $21/h – $22.50+/h.

Please note: Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.