Laboratory Technician

Key Result Areas:

Performance Standards:

Production Area

• Set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, centrifuge, agitators, scales, Activigraph, nitrogen analyzer, spectrophotometer, and other lab equipment.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.

Quality Control

• Test materials used as ingredients in yeast products for such qualities as purity, stability, viscosity, density, absorption, brix, and melting or flash point.
• Test solutions used in processes for chemical concentration, specific gravity, pH, brix or other characteristics.
• Test materials for presence and content of elements or substances such as hydrocarbons, manganese, sulfur, ash, dust, or impurities.
• Test samples of manufactured yeast products to verify conformity to specifications.
• Responsible for HACCP verification activities.

Reporting

• Record test results on standardized forms and writes test reports describing procedures used. Prepare graphs and charts.

Maintenance

• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment. Calibrate laboratory instruments.

Human Resources

• Comply with HR policies and procedures.
• Comply with relevant employment laws.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

A combination of the listed skills and knowledge is preferred

• Associate's degree (A.A.) in Chemistry or Biology from two year college or technical school.
• Two years experience and/or training.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment or tools.
• Familiarity with basic scientific terminology.
• Familiarity with basic computer operation.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or Biology.
• Experience in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and/or fermentation.

Other Factors

• Ability to work rotating shifts when necessary.
• Occasional overtime may be required.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly requirement to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.