POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, perform a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. Assist plant operations personnel with quality and processing matters.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience in a food manufacturing lab environment
• Food manufacturing lab environment experience in fats and oils preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Working knowledge and understanding of crystallizing and tempering process; ability to conduct Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audits and post cleaning inspections
• Excellent math, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and be a self-starter
• Excellent teamwork and good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact well with others at all levels

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.
Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:
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- Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
- Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
- Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

• Test, monitor, and document accurately the quality results and processing data for products produced
• Audit, verify and follow up process controls such as weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, PCs, plant inspections, receiving, etc.
• Support process variations as they relate to formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
• Maintain a high and effective level of communication with all operating departments. Assist with training of QA Technician I personnel
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment
• Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations, and responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Understand and apply the functionality of the Unshippable Program
• Utilize AS400 and JDE computer system for necessary quality functions
• Maintain and complete files and documentation accurately and timely
• Other duties as assigned