Quality Laboratory Technician

Purpose – This Document will identify the job that the Quality laboratory Technician will perform, and it will outline the correct methods of operation that will ensure safety of the worker and others, while preserving the machine integrity and the product quality and traceability.

Scope - The Quality Technician MUST have HPLC experience. This position will ensure that food safety processes are observed, and quality assurance activities are performed. The Quality Technician is responsible for timely generation of accurate data for in-process, finished product and any samples generated. The Quality Technician follows plant policies, procedures, work instructions and documents (including paper and computer records) to ensure that outbound products conform to company specifications and FDA guidelines.

Personal hygiene and safety are paramount when handling food products and / or packaging. The Quality Laboratory Technician is responsible for always following all the sanitation guidelines and the GMPs during the workday; this includes but it is not limited to wearing a clean uniform t-shirt, long pants and closed shoes, washing and sanitizing hands periodically, no jewelry with the exception of medical alert, wearing hairnet and/or beard net as applicable in the designated areas, and not eating or drinking outside of designated areas.

Requirements

• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing and good attention to detail.
• Samples and inspects required incoming raw materials as pertains to blending operations according to specifications. Inspections include sensory evaluation. Conduct evaluation and analysis of in-process and other physical attributes. Testing responsibilities include assay testing by UV-VIS and HPLC, density, percent moisture, color and other physical/analytical methods as needed.
• Conduct environmental swabs.
• Follows Good Laboratory Practices (GLP’s) and good housekeeping including cleaning glassware.
• Perform special projects as assigned by QA Leadership.
• Perform checks concerning safety on laboratory fume hoods, safety showers and eyewash stations. Responsible for calibration of lab equipment and making chemical reagents, etc. within the lab.
• Follow SDS & plant safety procedures.
• Conduct a variety of laboratory tests on goods to ensure product meets specifications. This includes inbound materials from vendors and outbound products for shipping.
• Assist/backup Quality Manager:
• In blending operations to ensure product meets quality specifications.
• Collects retention samples.
• Troubleshoot and assist/work with all Teams when quality related issues arise.
• Supports plant HACCP activities such as conducting daily CCP inspections.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Requirements:

• MUST have experience with HPLC analysis
• High School Diploma or GED; Associates Degree in Chemistry a plus.
• Food, beverage background preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate technical problem solving, working and collaborating with others as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess basic computer skills and have aptitude to work with computers and basic math skills are necessary.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Must be dependable, reliable and have good attendance.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically located at the plant
• Able to stand for minimum of 12 hours
• Climb Stairs
• Wear personal protective equipment
• Lift 25 pounds
• Vision correctable to 20/20
• Able to work in a sweetener dusty environment

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development