Lab Technician

Belvika Trade & Packaging Ltd. is a leading one-stop contract packaging company, specializing in precision packing of dry foods, chocolate and confectionary products from multiple facilities totaling more than 500,000 ft2. A 31-year-old and 100% owned Canadian Company, Belvika has grown to be one of the largest co-packers of chocolate, confectionary and snack products in Canada. Belvika uses its extensive experience in managing both manual processes and automated equipment to handle primary and secondary packaging of products for some of the world’s best known confectionary brands.

Belvika is an equal opportunity employer; offering competitive wages, a bonus plan, benefit plan, ongoing training and an interesting and challenging work environment. We will provide the tools and training that you require to excel at your role together with access to Senior Management to provide additional support and guidance. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Belvika is currently seeking a Lab Technician to maintain the overall lab testing for all products that require sensory testing and ensuring that the Company's & Client’s quality specifications are complied with at all times. This positionwill be located in the Thornmount facility and work on the day shift but must be flexible to work afternoon or night shifts as needed.

This position is a junior position which will offer you the ability to learn new skills and knowledge while being mentored and supported by the QA Supervisor and Sr. Manager, Quality Assurance.

The successful candidate will perform:

• Daily rice & seasoning cook-ups, and sensory evaluation (color, texture, flavor, aroma) – Note: technician cannot have any diet restrictions regarding consuming animal products (poultry, beef, egg, etc.)
• Sensory (appearance, odor, texture & taste) and salt reading of seasoning batches blended in house.
• Titratable Acidity test of blends blended in house and sensory (colour match and taste match).
• Gel strength calculations for inhouse blends & pH reading;
• Formulations of specific products as per customer’s instructions;
• Gel’s cook-up and breaking strength determination;
• Interpolation of graphic values;
• Ingredients weighting;
• ATP swabs & Allergen swabs - documentation of the preformed tests;
• Sampling of finished goods and raw materials;
• In-line testing as required (pouch checks, can integrity checks, etc.);
• Creation of technical reports and maintenance of laboratory documentation up to date and organized;
• Glassware monthly inspection/monthly report;
• Inventory control for lab items;
• Generate and maintain lab reports;
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Work experience requirements:

• Minimum 1-year experience in quality assurance in food processing or food packaging environment;
• Knowledge & experience of GMPs, HACCP and & Quality Management systems;
• Post-secondary education related to Quality Assurance and/or Food Science is an asset.

Key technical & behavioural competencies:

• Self-starter who works well under pressure and has great time management skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office such as Word and Excel;
• Great interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well both independently and with multiple departments as required;
• Knowledge and basic understanding of allergen and pathogen swabbing techniques;
• Knowledge of quality auditing, inspection methods;
• Detail oriented;
• Strong organizational skills, able to prioritize responsibilities and multi-task;
• Excellent reading, writing, and oral communication skills.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however only those most qualified will be contacted.