Quality Control Lab Technician

About the role

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products. At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.” Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

Responsibilities

• Follow all procedures to maintain a safe execution of duties
• Have knowledge on the lab testing equipment (examples: LECO Protein Analyzer, pH meter, water activity, texture analyzer, NIR Foss)
• Have knowledge of the Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in lab testing and wear proper safety protection equipment
• Work with peer, supervisors and subordinate groups
• Perform quality checks on finished product off the production lines
• Collect samples for analytical testing and product cuttings
• Collect and retain samples of all products produced
• Make recommendations for lab improvements
• Able to work in other areas of facility if required
• Enter results in IFS, Lab database
• Collect and monitor site microbiological monitoring programs (Environmental yeast, mold, and total plate counts, Enterobacteriaceae)
• Coordinate commissioning runs with line personnel
• Communicate, submit samples, and sample submittal forms to outside labs as required
• Verify daily production and finished product sampling meets the facility’s defined testing frequency
• Assist with Hold Log
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• General mathematical ability
• Self-motivation
• Work shifts as required
• Good judgement and reasoning abilities
• Basic Leadership Skills
• Basic computer skills
• Safe work record
• Good attitude
• Use of specialized lab equipment

Skills

• Follow all safety instructions and policies; Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor; Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor; Wear