Laboratory Technician

Position Summary:

Norfolk Crush is a facility that processes 110k bushels of soybeans daily into soybean oil, soybean meal, and soy hull pellets. The Lab Technician works as part of the operations team to support plant operations and ensure they are making the highest quality product. The Lab Technician must be knowledgeable of and follow GLPs and all applicable SOPs. Lab Technicians are required to work closely with operators and management. Lab Technicians are required to trouble shoot various lab equipment to resolve problems encountered during operation and restore them to an operational state.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in Norfolk Crush safety programs.
• Analyze process and final product samples.
• Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns and restores operation.
• Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Calibrate instruments, per SOP, as required.
• Participate as a team member to perform root cause analysis.
• Assist with startup of new equipment.
• Communicate equipment details effectively with operations and lab personnel.
• Assist the Quality Manager by providing feedback on PM (Preventive Maintenance) frequency and job steps.
• Make recommendations to Lab Manager regarding lab inventory.
• Assist with standardizing testing between shift operators.
• Communicate with operations regarding equipment maintenance downtime.
• Conduct work activities in an environmentally sound manner by being committed to the protection of the environment.
• Follow all OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), NEC (National Electrical Code) and plant safety procedures and provides feedback when updates or changes need to be made.
• Possess a 'hands-on' attitude and is willing to assist fellow team members with repairs or problems as needed.
• Promote the Norfolk Crush Core Values
• Adhere to plant operational policies and procedures and leads plant safety initiatives and instills safety-based behaviors in constant pursuit of zero lost-time and incidents.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s Degree in a related technical discipline desired.
• Lab background of 2 years is preferred.
• Proficiency in lab equipment troubleshooting and repair.
• Mechanical aptitude is helpful.
• Must be able to read and understand lab related SOP’s.
• Must be willing to learn.
• Experience with industrial lab settings is a plus.
• Must have a basic competency in office applications such as MS Office and must be able to learn various lab equipment operating systems.
• Must be able to climb stairs, perform some lifting, sit or stand for long periods, bending, kneeling, and be able to be respirator qualified if needed.
• Must be able to work in all environmental conditions, including temperature extreme.
• Must be willing to work overtime as required.

Core Values:

Entrepreneurship: We have the creativity and innate drive necessary to build a business. We have the willingness to do more than the job description.

Leadership: We regularly recognize our team members for positive results, and we have the courage to gently correct ourselves and others. We actively support our peers and direct reports.

Teamwork: We recognize our strengths and limitations, our need for each other, and we leverage the strengths of others to make us better as a team.

Work Ethic: We do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. We have relentless determination and patient endurance to do what it takes to get the job done. We have a keen sense of priorities and urgency, and we solve root causes.

Knowledge: We have both breadth and depth in the soybean crush business, and a continual drive to learn.

Pride: We have a deep level of satisfaction in our work, derived from a high level of ownership in the successful development of the business. We love what we do.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently bend, squat, climb, sit, stand, walk, handle objects, reach above shoulder level, use fine finger movements and push/pull.
• Ability to occasionally kneel.
• Ability to frequently carry/lift light to heavy loads of up to 50 lbs.