Lab Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Lead Technician and Quality Assurance Manager, the Lab Technician performs equipment set-up to assigned production line and monitors the production process. Performs chemical or instrumental analyses to determine that material being processed meets the company-required formulas and standards. While preforming blending duties, prepares syrup and other ingredients for mixing and blends ingredients according to established standards and procedures. Unloads fructose trucks and places material in inventory.

1. Understand, follow, and enforce all established safety, health, quality, Food Safety, GMP and Company policies, procedures and recognized practices.

2. Utilize laboratory test equipment and apparatus to perform product quality tests, inspect raw material, and to perform bacteriology, CO2 and HPLC testing.

3. Perform quality test on consumer complaints to determine problem and cause.

4. Maintain files and test results; record corrective procedures, control reports and supporting data in accordance with prescribed procedures.

5. Perform production line set-up and monitor process. Troubleshoot problems as they arise and record.

6. Maintain and back wash water treating system.

7. Monitor and maintain RO water systems.

8. Run control drink on finished syrups to ensure taste and quality.

9. Follow all clean up and housekeeping procedures. Comply with all safety, GMP and sanitation regulations.

10. Maintain computer records.

11. Perform wastewater treatment monitoring.

12. Sanitize tanks and equipment to ensure company quality standards are met.

13. Locate necessary ingredients in inventory and transport to syrup room for mixing. Blend syrup ingredients according to established standards and procedures.

14. Unload fructose truck. Using a forklift, move material to proper location in inventory.

15. Maintain records and logs of procedures, results and problems. Make adjustments as needed.

16. Periodically perform inventory checks and sort concentrates and syrups.

17. Follow all clean up and housekeeping procedures both on the machine and the work area.

18. Comply with all safety, GMP and sanitation regulations.

19. Perform preventative maintenance work and minor repairs as needed.

20. Document tasks completed, time completed and any deficiencies found.

21. Perform general housekeeping procedures

22. Perform any other job-related duties requested by the Supervisor or Lead.

1. Maintain computer records.

2. Perform wastewater treatment monitoring.

* Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

* Minimum of 2 years related work experience, or possess an associate degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Biology

* Previous experience in afast-paced production/manufacturing environment is preferred.

* Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment (i.e. HPLC, pH meter, balances, filtration apparatus).

* Proficient with basic computer applications, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and Word.

* Must be detail oriented and have the ability to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks accurately while working under pressure.

* Ability to recognize trends, situations and risks to product quality or food safety, and to timely and properly communicate those findings.

* Ability to apply creative problem solving techniques to various situations and make sound decisions when presented with problems and questions.

* Have a strong work ethic and be able to work independently as well as working in a team.

* Ability to prioritize work while multi-tasking (lab duties, product run sampling and sample submission requirements).

* Requires good mathematical ability to perform quality related calculations, good analytical skills, and effective interpersonal communication skills to work constructively in a team environment.

* Basic knowledge of water treating process is required.

* Able to read, write, and communicate in English

* Requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs.

* Experience in HPLC or similar technology is a plus

This list of job duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.