Lab Technician

Description

Primary Purpose: The Quality Assurance Laboratory Lead assists in ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They are responsible for overseeing the product testing performed by the Quality Assurance Lab and the creation and distribution of Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments.

Responsibilities:

Quality Programs and Compliance

• Ensure compliance of quality requirements in relation to certifications, customer, state and federal standards
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing & Laboratory practices, programs and policies
• Responsible for the creation and distribution of Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments
• Data entry, record review and record keeping duties as required per laboratory SOP’s
• Oversee the daily testing of product to ensure parameters meet current specifications. Perform routine chemical analysis on raw material and finished product including pH, moisture, salt and fat testing per the current specification as needed.
• Assist with product sampling, inspection, testing and other duties required to support the site’s hold and release program
• Provide feedback to managers and production team when quality related discrepancies, violations or other issues that occur and need to be resolved
• Assist in shelf life study programs by reviewing samples and providing detailed reports
• Oversee the laboratory proficiency testing program to ensure understanding and compliance of laboratory and department SOP’s

Audit Support

• Support Quality Management during facility visits, audits and inspections
• Retrieve documentation and records, track down needed individuals and any other information or people as requested during the audit process

Training and Employee Education

• Engage site employees in Good Manufacturing Practices, programs and policies to educate and improve compliance
• All other duties as assigned.     

Qualifications

Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

• At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Effective collaboration and influence skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred
• Attention to detail; thorough and accurate in work

Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment:

Work environment fluctuates between laboratory setting and food production areas.  Standing is required for 50% of work shift.  Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat and twist.  Must be able to occasionally lift 25-50lbs.  Temperatures range from 30°-100°F.  Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in required areas.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, with a possibility of weekend shifts depending on the needs of production schedules. Expectations of 45-60 hours per week, depending on the needs of production schedules.  

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: 50% walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office and food production areas. Must be able to walk, bend stoop, squat and twist.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment and laboratory equipment.

6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 25-50 pounds, such cheese products and cases.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access equipment and product samples.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to be aware of surrounding in production areas and to participate in meetings.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $16-$18.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc.  Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.