Quality Laboratory Technician

Quality Assurance

Amarillo, TX

ID: 893-357

Full-Time/Regular

Established in 1973, Cacique® has affirmed itself as America’s leader in Hispanic perishables. Our product offerings span from fresh cheeses, table creams, and processed cheese to cured meats and drinkable yogurts. Our company has a leadership position amongst the Hispanic population nationwide and enjoys a steady path of growth. We are a very dedicated and competitive family owned company which offers an excellent environment in which to thrive and grow.

Cacique looks to hire future teammates who embody Cacique’s Four Pillars: Family, Quality, Integrity and Authenticity. These four Pillars are the values that have been the foundation of Cacique’s success since its inception in 1973. Our work culture embraces people who are innovative, resourceful, determined, catalysts of change and champions of our values.

We are currently looking for a passionate individual to become our next Laboratory Technician who embodies our values and is looking to join America’s leader in Hispanic perishables. A Laboratory Technician I is responsible for the timely assay of routine microbiological and chemical testing of raw materials and finished products, utilizing current GMPs, SOPs, and laboratory instrumentation to ensure the quality and safety of all products.

At Cacique eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance and short term disability. As well as vacation, sick, holiday pay, birthday day off, 401k with company match, and more!

Duties/Essential Job Funtions

• Be proactive in reporting events to Supervisors including but not limited to: out of specification test results, personnel challenges, GMP violations or concerns, Safety observation
• Perform microbiological tests using Petri-films, BAX instruments and standard methods. Tests include spoilage organisms such as Coliform, yeast and mold, Standard plate count.
• Perform Chemical analysis such as moisture, salt, pH and fat to support the in-process production.
• Perform environmental swabbing during shift.
• Perform environmental yeast and mold air plating.
• Calibrate analytical lab instruments according to the schedules.
• Routinely check the pH of aged cheese (weekly) and coordinate with Warehouse for proper storage.
• Perform quality line audits and record each finding on corresponding forms. These include, but are not limited to, weight integrity and temperature.
• Monitor processing during production and notify operators and/or supervisor of any deviations.
• Keep laboratory conditions clean and organized at all times.
• Keep accurate and legible laboratory records.
• Enter data in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Support projects as requested by Supervisors or other Management staff.
• Comply with attendance policies. Be willing to work different shifts and overtime as needed
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Safety, and Company Policies and Procedures. In addition, all employees must uphold all Safe Quality Food standards, upholding a culture of food safety and quality at all times.
  
  

Required Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or related science preferred.
  
  

Knowledge

• Lab safety and handling of hazardous materials
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• Proficient with MS Office Professional Suite
  
  

Required Experience

• 1-2 years microbiological and chemical analysis experience
• 2-4 years Food or dairy manufacturing industry experience
  
  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.