Laboratory Technician

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Laboratory Operations: Perform daily testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure the quality meets internal and external customer specifications
• Collect and maintain retention samples appropriately according to schedule; dispose of outdated samples appropriately
• Manage multiple tasks efficiently to meet testing deadlines
• Understand Official Methods used for testing (e.g., ASTM, EN, AOCS, etc.)
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing methods
• Accurately enter test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Generate all Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on finished products and special COAs requested by commercial
• Collect samples from operational areas as required
• Collect and ship samples as needed (e.g., referee sample, customer requests, 3rd party testing, etc.)
• Maintain a clean and organized lab environment in compliance with housekeeping standards
• Maintain skill levels as training is completed through the level progression system
• Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Manager

Process Control & Improvement

• Analyze production and certification samples and communicate results promptly to operations personnel
• Report out of specification or out of trend results to management
• Collect samples as required to maintain the environmental monitoring program
• Perform ATP swabs as required in operational areas to ensure cleanliness
• Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories

Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs

• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Food Safety Management Systems, including FSSC 22000
• Understand and adhere to NOPA Trading Rules

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

• Basic qualifications: High School Diploma
• Experience working in a laboratory or quality testing environment
• Preferred qualifications: 2-year or 4-year technical diploma or degree in chemistry, food science, biochemistry, microbiology related field
• Experience: 1-year or more of analytical chemistry laboratory experience in the food, feed, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, or related industry
• Experience operating laboratory analytical equipment such as GC, ICP, Karl Fischer, Elementar, NIR
• Prior quality inspection or testing experience
• PCQI, HACCP, internal auditor, laboratory, chemical, or quality certifications are desirable