Lab Technician

Job#: 1347642

Job Description:

SUMMARY  

Assists in all plant daily responsibilities related to Food Safety and Quality Control. Performs laboratory tests to determine chemical, physical and microbiological characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, or product development by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Set up, adjust, calibrate and operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, chemical balance scales, moisture, grinding and sieving tests, Volatile oil tests, and other equipment.Test materials used as ingredients and other products for such qualities as purity, stability, density.  Test solutions used in processes for chemical concentration, specific gravity, or other characteristics. Test samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications. Performs Neogen system microbiological testing and collects composite samples prior to testing.Records test results on standardized forms and writes test reports describing procedures used.Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment.Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.Perform metal detector tests; evaluate magnet findings and metal detector kick out.Check for Sanitation Guidelines and Equipment via Pre-Operational Reports.Assist with label control. This person is responsible for the supervision all lab functions and Lab coordination when Lab Manager is absent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.  Must possess excellent communication skills.   Fluent computer skills with a strong emphasis on P.C. based spreadsheet programs.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must posses the ability to work with mathematical concepts and apply concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to analytical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Must posses the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Must have the ability to interpret technical instruction in mathematical or diagram form and deal with multiple tests operating at any given time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to lift, handle, or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to communicate verbally and nonverbally.  The employee is required to stand, walk, and bend a large percentage of the workday.  The employee will be required to go into the manufacturing plant to sample, inspect, investigate, or assist with the operation on a daily basis.  The Laboratory Technician must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include both close and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is essentially that of a laboratory.  However, work in the mill and warehouse will require extended periods of exposure to high noise and dust levels.  Frequent contact with office personnel will also occur.  While performing the duties of this job, the Laboratory Technician is frequently exposed to a variety of chemicals, including acids, reducing agents, and bases, small to medium sized moving mechanical parts, flour dust and/or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but areas of the plant may reach 100 dB.  Ear protection, safety glasses, dust masks are provided for the employees safety.  The laboratory is an air-conditioned environment but the employee will be exposed to manufacturing temperatures that will exceed 100 Degrees F.  

SAFETY

While performing the essential job functions, the employee is expected to work in a safe manner and to follow/change company policies regarding safety.  It is the expectation and responsibility of the employee to report any and all injuries immediately to the General Manager and to resolve any safety situation that is substandard and poses a risk for employee injury, property damage or loss.

FOOD SAFETY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The company is committed to producing and delivering defect-free products.  To ensure this, all employees are required to be trained on and adhere to the Good Manufacturing Policies set forth by the Company as they pertain to personnel practices, equipment, and facilities.  It is also vital that all employees be aware of their work environment and prevents any accidental or intentional adulteration of products produced at this facility. 

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178.