Lab Tech

Description

TITLE: QA Lab Technician

REPORTS TO: Quality Assurance Manager

LOCATION: Plant Facility

Document Date: 04/14/2013

Shift: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Job Purpose Summary:

• This position is responsible for laboratory operations and to ensure that finished product meets food safety and quality expectations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform of microbiological and chemical testing of finished products, raw materials and associated items as required.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and calibration program.
• Visually inspect and sample plant equipment for microbiological and ATP sanitation standards
• Input quality testing data for each load and verify results
• Pull aseptic samples for microbiological examination by QA Manager
• Train plant personnel on testing methodologies as required.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format.
• Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP's.
• Follow all required work safe practices. This would include wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
• Participate in quarterly split sample testing for all personnel authorized at the facility
• Maintain lab supply inventory
• Maintain the laboratory in a clean, audit ready state at all times.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Perform document scanning and archiving as required.
• Cover other quality functions as required. 

In the absence of the QA Lab Tech: The Quality Manager will do the functions of the QA Lab Tech.

Jobs Supervised (by title):

• No direct reports

Travel: Minimal to no travel required

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education and Experience:

• Experience in Food Manufacturing with Food Science I Technology or equivalent experience preferred
• Previous experience in food manufacturing environment with laboratory testing and sampling experience
• Experience in microbiology, GMP's, chemistry, design, sanitation and quality systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be adaptable and flexible
• Must be organized and analytical
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent recordkeeping in documentation skills
• Basic understanding of microbiological and chemistry testing procedures
• Basic understanding of laboratory testing equipment

Nonessential Qualifications:

• Ability to speak and/ or write English. Spanish speaking and writing is desired

Materials and Equipment Directly Used:

• Office machinery including: computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, etc.
• Microsoft Office Suite and Access.

Working Environment I Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In the absent QA Manager replace this position.

Physical Demands:

• Requires prolonged sitting and standing, bending, stooping and climbing.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and laboratory equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and laboratory results.
• Requires lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires exposure to machines, chemicals and solvents.

Work Environment:

• Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.
• Must be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.
• Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.
• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Ability to give, to receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans and prepare written materials 

             and articulate goals and action plans.

• Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively.
• Ability to do basic math calculations, input data into a computer and analyze data is required.