What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician 2nd Shift position at Ventura Foods?
Location: Ontario, CA
Exemption: Nonexempt
Shift: Second
OUR COMPANY:
Ventura Foods is a leading global manufacturer of branded and custom food products that proudly helps food providers in the U.S., Canada and more than 60 other countries earn a special place on consumers’ tables. We do this by continually crafting custom dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, and other food solutions that exceed peoples’ expectations for great-tasting flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods operates 14 manufacturing facilities, 3 culinary centers, and numerous distribution centers across North America. When you work in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth, because you invest in ours.
Position Summary:
Under general supervision, perform a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. Assist plant operations personnel with quality and processing matters.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Test, monitor and accurately document quality results and processing data for products produced from receipt through to finished products. Maintain and complete files and documentation accurately and timely
- Audit, verify and follow-up process controls such as weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, plant inspections, receiving, etc. Thoroughly understand and competently apply routine and special analytical procedures (including chemical titrations, visual inspections, flavoring and advanced technical analyses) using prescribed standard methods. Establish analytical priorities in collaboration with quality control, process and packaging supervision. Maintain expertise in the food safety requirements of the products produced and support adherence to HACCP principles and regulatory expectations
- Support process variations as they relate to formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
- Maintain a high and effective level of communication with all operating departments
- Expertly utilize analytical lab equipment including analysis operation procedure, calibration procedures and routine maintenance
- Understand and apply the functionality of the Unshippable Program
- Utilize AS400 and JDE computer system for necessary quality functions
- Work toward gaining the knowledge and understanding of the crystallization and tempering of oils, margarines, shortening, mayonnaises, dressings and sauces
- Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations. Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
- Other duties as assigned; travel may be required
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of experience in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science
- Food manufacturing lab environment experience in fats, oils, dressings preferred
Knowledge and Skills:
- Excellent math, problem solving, and organizational skills. Ability to work with minimum supervision and be a self-starter
- Ability to use, operate and maintain various analytical equipment in the laboratory.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels
- Requires computer skills including Microsoft Office products and Outlook
Physical Demands:
Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.
Work Environment:
In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
