QA Oil Lab Technician II

Description

Location: 531 West Poplar Avenue| Tipton | CA | 93272

Hourly Rate: $29.40

Shift: 2nd Shift 2pm - 10:30pm | Shift Differential $0.40 hour

Job Summary

The QA Oil Lab Tech II is the primary person responsible for the advanced testing of juices and oils using the HPLC and GC units.  Additionally, the person will be skilled in the analytical procedures of citrus oils testing. Oils are in high demand globally and represent a key piece of Ventura Coastal business.  This position is critical to ensure that the citrus oil products produced by the Tipton plant meet customer specifications as well as FDA and State of California Department of Agriculture guidelines. The QA Oil Lab Tech II will possess an in-depth knowledge of citrus oils and their chemical properties and may be required to meet with senior leaders of Ventura Coastal and/or customers to answer questions or provide timely data. QA Oil Lab Tech II reports to the Tipton Quality Assurance Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately.  All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Proficient in using the HPLC for analysis for limonin, preservatives, and naringin.  Must be able to troubleshoot issues with the equipment, create methodologies, and perform quality control tests and routine maintenance on the HPLC.
• Proficient in using the GC for analysis of essential oils to identify vital components such as p-cymene, octanol and nonanol, creating methodologies; must be able to perform quality control tests and routine maintenance on the GC.
• Performs routine analysis for raw and finished product essential oils such as aldehyde, ethanol and optical rotation.
• Run samples on multiple GC’s of various detectors (FID, FPD, and MS).
• Review GC and GCMS chromatograms and generate reports.
• Check QC calibration of instruments, and to run calibration or do troubleshooting if QC check fails.
• To perform routine preventive and major maintenance and create method development on GC instruments as needed.
• To troubleshoot when instruments stop working properly.
• Good working practice of GLP and GMP and follow SQF guidelines.
• Reporting and recording laboratory data.
• To run refractometer/density meter, polarimeter, colorimeter, and UV-Vis Spectrometer.
• To perform standard wet chemistry procedures when needed.
• To perform AOAC and FCC methods.
• To send composites of oil samples to outside lab for testing. Follow up with outside laboratories as needed.
• To assist Lead Chemist or provide relief when overloaded with work.
• Follow all safety rules and practices including wearing all required personal protective equipment and attend all required safety training.
• Follow all GMP/ HACCP and Food Safety rules and practices.
• Provide data and respond to inquiries from corporate planning, senior leadership and customers as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Must have BS of chemistry or equivalent.
• Three – Five (3-5) years’ experience in a food processing environment.
• Ability to operate centrifuge.
• Ability to operate High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Ability to operate Gas Chromatography (GC).
• Knowledge of using Microsoft office, especially Word and Excel.
• Ability to follow SQF guidelines and work safely in a lab with chemicals.
• Background in citrus-type products or food industry preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work long hours as required.
• Oil Tech II stands 60% and sits 40% on laboratory environment in ambient temperatures.
• Able to use hands extensively, and able to do delicate and intricate work.
• Ability of distinguish color, odor, and flavor. 
• May require lifting 25lbs.

Qualifications

Salary : $29