About this role
Join our team of Employee Owners! As a Laboratory Technician, you will be responsible for control of quality, safety, sanitation and testing to ensure that the product and its manufacturing processes meet quality and safety standards.
Responsibilities / Duties:
Perform a variety of laboratory tasks and experiments
Maintain lab equipment and inventory levels of lab supplies
Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results
Write experimental reports, summaries, and protocols, keep records and documentation
Responsible for limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments
Assist in training of entry-level employees for quality control protocols
Perform environmental microbiological testing for food grade requirements
Pull samples for various products
Wash and dry glassware and keep lab tidy
Prepare samples for shipment to customers and outside laboratories for testing when applicable
Microbiological testing, Moisture analysis, pH testing, Titrations for Free EDTA testing, Rotap testing, Sonic Sieve testing, Loss on drying, Lovibond color testing, Karl Fischer moisture testing, Skillet Moisture test, Thermometer calibrations, Iodine testing, Acid value testing, Free fatty acid testing, Capillary melt point testing
Prepare and maintain samples for testing and retains for Quality Control and Release Testing
Pre-op inspections, environmental testing, take swabs for verification of cleanliness
Participate in and monitor sanitation activities in and around the plant
Check and verify cleaning logs for all shifts
Routine plant inspections for cleanliness
Use UPS program for making labels and shipping samples out to customers or for lab testing
Other duties as apparent or assigned
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 1-3 years' experience in a manufacturing environment
- Quality and/or Lab experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate well with other production personnel and managers
- Strong multitasker
- Some computer experience with EXCEL spreadsheets and MS Word
- Able to work independently and safely
- Productive and attentive to detail
- High level of reading comprehension
- Ability to write detailed correspondence and documentation
- Ability to use effective problem-solving skills
- Ability to apply continuous improvement to policies, products, and procedures for quality
- Assist in motivating production team to achieve performance goals throughout the facility
- Knowledge and ability to use Thermometers, Lovibond Tintometer, Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer, Beckman pH meter, OHaus Moisture Analyzer, Burettes for Titrations, Oven for Loss on Drying,
- Oven for Micro Testing, Lab Hood, Hot Plates/Stir Plates
Physical Requirements:
- Up to 100% laboratory and/or general office work requiring the ability to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, reach, push, pull, handle, see, and hear; ability to read, write, operate a keyboard, computer, printer and copier, handle paper, file documents, box materials, and related; ability to communicate in person or via telephone, email, messenger, text, and computer / internet applications; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds; ability to operate various lab instruments and measuring devices
- Up to 10% on the manufacturing floor that requires the ability to walk, stand, sit, reach, climb, bend, twist, push, pull, handle, lift, see, and hear; able to operate forklifts, fork trucks, pallet jacks, hoists, and other equipment to move materials; able to press buttons, operate levers, use wrenches, connect hoses, stack, load, unload, climb stairs, and use ladders; frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and/or moving heavier objects with mechanical assistance; work environment may be very loud, warm, humid, and/or have dust, dirt, debris, and odors; some products contain allergens that may cause physical reactions in certain individuals; requires ability to properly wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks, smocks, safety glasses, hearing protection, hair nets, gloves, etc.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered per ADA requirements to enable an individual to perform the job if any of the above physical requirements are limited.