Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This position is responsible for executing and coordinating various lab testing and inspection routines. The role ensures that food safety and quality specifications are met by following specified procedures for ingredients and finished products.

Responsibilities

• Execute microbiological testing procedures for verifying commercial sterility of finished products.
• Implement the Environmental Monitoring Program.
• Coordinate the storage, organization, and shipment of finished product samples.
• Conduct the Water Testing Program.
• Carry out the Sensory Program for finished products.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COA) and manage the communication process for finished product release.
• Oversee verification, calibration routines, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments across all labs.
• Develop and validate testing methods for raw and finished products.
• Coordinate external lab testing programs.
• Support and execute the positive release process for finished products.
• Contribute to root cause analysis and customer complaint investigations.
• Assist laboratory operations with cleaning, organizing, filing laboratory records, and retrieving test results.
• Ensure records and documents are complete, legible, accurate, and executed with the required information according to company procedures.
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of FSQ documentation practices.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and housekeeping of the FSQ Lab area.
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Order and perform inventory control for supplies and reagents.
• Ensure required competencies to carry out job functions affecting product legality, safety, and quality are met in accordance with the Quality Policy and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
• Ensure compliance with corporate/plant safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements while following the company's Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Perform other food safety and quality execution and improvement duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document, describe, and interpret records and documented specifications.
• Ability to enforce company procedures and policies.
• Ability to document inspection findings legibly and accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BSc in Food Science or a related scientific field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Microbiology.
• At least 1 year of experience in laboratory functions within the food, beverage, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry.

Work Environment

The work environment is a food production setting where you will be frequently exposed to wet and varying temperature conditions ranging from 60-130 degrees Fahrenheit. The role involves exposure to loud noise, vibration, moving machinery/electrical parts, risk of electrical shock, airborne particles, high/precarious places, toxic/caustic chemicals, allergens including soy, milk, and milk by-products, and fumes from food processing equipment. Steel toe boots are required, and no jewelry is allowed. The team values communication and fosters a great culture and environment.