Quality Lab Technician III

Role Summary

The purpose of this position is to ensure successful Quality Lab operations at the Tampa, FL facility. Manage operations and staff in the testing laboratory to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of the test laboratory. Plan, organize and control workflow to accomplish all lab functions in a safe and efficient manner. Ensure timely completion and communication of test results. Work cross functionally with manufacturing lab to ensure highest quality products.

Key Responsibilities

• Support, plan, manage and execute the daily, short term and long-term activities, and goals associated with chemistry and microbiology labs and product testing programs within the Quality Control team to support the manufacturing of cannabis products.
• Conduct quality verifications of all lab extraction, formulation, and internal testing processes to ensure product and process specifications are met and GMP compliant.
• Ensure that all necessary testing is carried out and the associated records evaluated, verified, and retained.
• Ensure that information in BioTrack is up to date and accurate.
• Conduct internal audit on daily basis to ensure GMP and DOH requirements are met.
• Conduct verification of monthly, quarterly, and end of year lab inventory.
• Ensure that non-conformities, out of specifications/trends are investigated and closed in a timely manner.
• Participate in the creation/review of procedures, work instructions, methods and other Quality Documents that are required.
• Provide support and training by ensuring a transfer of knowledge.
• Ensure that Quality Control activities are properly set and followed.
• Ensure implementation of good laboratories practices.
• Partner with management to lead quality initiatives that develop and maintain a high performing, scalable, and compliant quality system.
• Lead team to develop and implement control plans and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for laboratory processes to the identification, evaluation, and control of food safety hazards.
• Publish monthly metrics focused on lab progress.
• Undertake any other tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the laboratory's success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related fields
• Three to five years in manufacturing test/quality assurance lab environment within a regulated environment
• Experience in leading/implementing a strong Lab safety culture
• A working knowledge of quality and food safety systems (e.g., GLP, cGMP, HACCP, Sanitation, Maintenance, Calibration)
• Previous experience within a cannabis testing lab highly preferred
• Knowledge of lab safety/training requirements
• Ability to use a variety of lab equipment and instruments including incubators, scales/balances, pipettes, and chromatography
• Ability to handle the physical requirements of the position

Skills

• Possess strong technical skills in laboratory analysis and quality management / improvement by comprehensive tools and creative mindset
• Experience leading/implementing a strong Lab Safety Culture
• Proficient with Laboratory Information Management Systems, Microsoft Office, and Monday.com software
• Strong background in Root Cause Analysis, Problem Solving, Preventive Actions (ability to anticipate problems, use of 8D, Fault Tree Analysis, 5 Why, etc.)
• Experience in BioTrack software
• Strong communication skills: both written and verbal
• High level of attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Comfortable making decisions in a changing environment. Creating and reporting quality data
• Must be a multitasker, with the ability to work on several requests simultaneously without losing focus
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills
• Must possess an inquisitive and creative mind
• Ability to build good relationships

Other Duties

• This position may require long hours and possible weekend work.
• There will be frequent contact with internal team members, either face to face or by telephone or email.
• Ability to handle the physical requirements of the position.

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing and distribution environment. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers/laptop, printers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, laminators.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand for extended periods; walk; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to individually lift up to 35 lbs, repeatably, through out the day.
• Push and Pull cart and large racks of material, from room to room, this may require two individuals,
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This position may require long hours and possible weekend work.

Other Duties

• This position may require long hours and possible weekend work.
• There will be frequent contact with internal team members, either face to face or by telephone or email.
• Ability to handle the physical requirements of the position.