Lab Technician

Position Summary

Under general supervision, perform a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. Assist plant operations personnel with quality and processing matters.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Test, monitor and accurately document quality results and processing data for products produced from receipt through to finished products.
• Maintain and complete files and documentation accurately and timely
• Audit, verify and follow-up process controls such as weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, plant inspections, receiving, etc.
• Thoroughly understand and competently apply routine and special analytical procedures (including chemical titrations, visual inspections, flavoring and advanced technical analyses) using prescribed standard methods.
• Establish analytical priorities in collaboration with quality control, process and packaging supervision.
• Maintain expertise in the food safety requirements of the products produced and support adherence to HACCP principles and regulatory expectations
• Support process variations as they relate to formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
• Maintain a high and effective level of communication with all operating departments
• Expertly utilize analytical lab equipment including analysis operation procedure, calibration procedures and routine maintenance
• Understand and apply the functionality of the Unshippable Program
• Utilize AS400 and JDE computer system for necessary quality functions
• Work toward gaining the knowledge and understanding of the crystallization and tempering of oils, margarines, shortening, mayonnaises, dressings and sauces
• Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations.
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned; travel may be required

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of experience in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science
• Food manufacturing lab environment experience in fats, oils, dressings preferred

Knowledge And Skills

• Excellent math, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and be a self-starter
• Ability to use, operate and maintain various analytical equipment in the laboratory.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels
• Requires computer skills including Microsoft Office products and Outlook

Physical Demands

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.