LAB TECHNICIAN

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future! 

HP Hood’s culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discount programs, 401k matches, incentive programs, profit sharing and more. 

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Helluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat, Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes and more.

 Laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.

·         Pulling, logging, and running finish product and processing samples for all test required on each product.

·         Pull sample of incoming raw material and packaging to determine acceptability of loads from our suppliers.

·         Audit CIP chemical concentrations and ensures compliance to company specifications.

·         Must be able to prepare media and other lab controls. These would include but are not limited to pour plates, buffer water, etc.

·         Operate autoclave to sterilize plates and equipment as needed while ensuring sterility test are accurate.

·         Assist in lab equipment PMs such as cleaning the Micro Luminescence Systems weekly with caustic; drain and clean the autoclave bi-weekly; changing fluid standards and filters on the cryoscopy.

·         Inoculating batch tanks with enzyme and vitamins and recording usages on the various logs.

·         Responsible for the daily cleanup and review of racking systems in the incubators and cooler to set up for shelf life testing.

·         Participate in environmental testing in and around plant that includes swabbing, air plating, water sampling, etc.

·         Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up.

·         Various tasks involving the responsibility of the food safety and quality of company products.

Education and Experience:  

·         BS/BA in related science and/or equivalent job experience in a quality role of a food manufacturing plant

·         Experience in food manufacturing

·         Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.

Skills and Competencies:

·         Adapts to changes in the work environment

·         Strong written and verbal communication

·         Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills

·         Work effectively with team members to accomplish department and plant goals

Physical Requirements:

·         Standing: Long periods (a minimum of 8 hours)

·         Sitting: Occasionally for short periods

·         Walking: Long periods

·         Bending: Frequently

·         Lifting: Light (25-40 lbs.) frequently

·         Carrying: Light (50 - 60 lbs.)frequently