Laboratory Technician I

Job Summary:

Ensure the safety and quality of products manufactured at our Conroe, TX facility, by coordinating, performing, and verifying the lab testing and sanitation activities, according to customer product specifications, and mandatory and voluntary codes/standards. Report deviations, participate in the root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and improve future or in-place food safety and quality systems.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform or assign the required laboratory duties including preparation/calibration of test equipment, media preparation/sterilization, sampling, and test execution.

• Coordinate the daily required laboratory duties including preparation/calibration.

• Tests equipment, media preparation/sterilization, sampling, and test execution.

• Perform or assign to the other technicians the activities to meet the Quality, Production, Sanitation, and RD requirements.

• Place ingredients, in-process products, and finished products on hold following specs, programs, and policies or as directed by the Technical Manager/Tech Supervisor.

• Review the product shipped compared with the shipping list.

• Request an adequate inventory of supplies for Lab Testing. Reports inventory to Accounting at the end of the month.

• Maintains the lab and sanitation equipment functional by the calibration program, equipment PM, and reports issues.

• Prepare or assign the preparation of the third-party lab testing and R&D samples.

• Conducts plant inspections/verifications.

• Supports Tech Supervisor/ Tech Manager on the process and follow-up of supplier complaints, customer complaints, and non-conformance reports as assigned.

• Find the root cause in conjunction with a cross-functional team for any deviation.

• Maintains documentation up to date and clean and organized work area.

• Effectively communicates at all levels of the organization.

• Maintains and promotes a safe work environment.

• Maintains a culture of Food Safety.

• Maintain compliance with the manual, procedures, and policies of the food safety management system.

• Communicates with the Sanitation, Maintenance, Shipping, or Production teams to address other issues that can affect the quality and food safety of the products.

• Reports any deviations to Technical Supervisor/ Technical Manager.

• Responsible for sending the daily report for preop and end of the day shift.

• Supports Technical Supervisor or Technical Manager on special activities related to the Department objectives.

• Flexibility to work overtime or support other shifts as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or Biology or Technical Associate degree in Science, desired.

Experience:

• Knowledge of GFSI Food Safety Standards.

• Knowledge of statistical software packages.

• Some experience working in the lab or manufacturing for a Food or Pharmaceutical Industry is preferred.

• 3 years experience in a similar position in Lieu of College Degree.