Lab Technician

Essential Functions: Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas. Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements. Ensure all products being run conform to the product specifications as outlined in SAP system, and conduct analysis on raw deliveries, syrup batches and treated water. Maintain accurate, legible records of all tests and retests performed. Complete all other required reports (work orders, action reports, etc.) in a timely manner. Work closely with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies, increase yields and eliminate out of specification or damaged product. Startup lines in an accurate and timely manner through pre-confirming flavor to be run, carbo-trol/flow mix settings and product parameters. Conduct chemical and physical analysis on raw and intermediate processing materials including packaging materials and determine status of materials as acceptable or unacceptable. Complete flavor changes in an accurate and timely manner through pre-confirming flavor to be run, carbo-trol/flow mix settings and product parameters. Evaluate finished products against current standards by performing audits to monitor all aspects of finished product and packaging integrity. Check process control parameters to assure proper equipment application and operation is being maintained by performing secure seal, closure torque and seaming checks. Ensure accurate test results by maintaining proper operation, cleanliness and calibration of laboratory equipment. Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times. Utilize free time by assisting other technicians or production personnel, filing, preparing reagents, photocopying audit sheets, checking held products, emptying reference samples, reading micro plates, checking inventory supplies and overseeing repacks. Complete special projects and other reasonable duties as assigned by Lead Hand or Management. When more than one shift is operating, communicate with the technician coming on shift of any issues which may affect product or scheduling as well as cleaning all equipment and benches used for your line. Mop the floor if not already completed. Wait for your replacement before leaving the laboratory. If your replacement is late, inform lead hand on shift or contact the QA Manager. Required Skills and Competencies: Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point Ability to analyze and solve problems, results oriented Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change Proficiency Level: This is where we would add the differentiations for I,II,III Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Food Science, Quality or related discipline Minimum 3 years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferably food/beverage industry Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF) - certification ideal Working Conditions: Physical-Continuously standing or walking. Visual/Sensory-This position requires regular need to give moderate attention with one or two senses at a time. Work environment- Work and environment are very repetitive. Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands. Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Criteria Behaviors Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Loyal: Shows firm and constant support to a cause Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Motivations Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization