Lab Technician

Spring Valley began on a small family farm in Jackson, WI in 1961 and has grown into a leading manufacturer of fertilizers and ice melter products. From our 8 blending locations and multiple shipping locations, we serve a wide variety of customer markets including distributors, co-ops, and retailers throughout the United States and internationally. Spring Valley became a part of the Interoceanic (IOC) family of companies in 2022.

About the role

Our Hatfield, MA plant is eagerly seeking a Lab Technician to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct lab personnel as needed.
• Train laboratory technicians in methodologies pertaining to GC and LC pesticide analysis, physical analysis of raw materials (sieve analysis), and produced polymer coated urea (leeching analysis and product integrity testing).
• Oversee routine daily testing of finished products and raw materials.
• Ensure compliance with COA’s for raw materials; pass/reject raw materials as necessary.
• Prepare and update SOPs for new instruments, equipment, and testing.
• Manage solvents generated during finished good testing, handling of hazardous waste during generation, and storage.
• Perform and supervise routine preventative maintenance on analytical instrumentation and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Assist in investigating and documenting any customer complaints regarding product performance issues.
• Review and maintain Analytical Control Product databases.
• Evaluate integrity of product from new vendors for use in blending process.
• Review and maintain raw material size characteristic documentation and databases.
• Perform data analysis for validation of manufacturing process.
• Inform site managers of any product integrity issues.
• Maintain SPC charting of polymer coated urea product performance.
• Schedule laboratory technicians to ensure facilities are adequately staffed.
• Perform periodic quality audits as directed by Corporate Quality Manager.
• Keep site compliant with all Company quality programs, policies, and procedures including maintaining records.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Microbiology, Plant Science, or related field.
• 1-3 years lab supervisory experience.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of all lab testing equipment.
• Ability to interpret data and provide necessary process improvement recommendations.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet (Excel) and database software (Access).

Pay

$45,000 - $55,000 annual pay based on experience.

Benefits

• Paid holidays and PTO upon hire.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available after 30 days.
• Company-provided short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Company-provided life insurance; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents available.
• 401k with company match available after 60 days.
• Vacation days awarded after 120-day introductory period.