Lab Technician - A Crew

General Description/Purpose:

Plans and schedules testing activities, collects samples and performs quality tests on raw bulk ingredients, purchased products and processed milk, cream and other finished products. Ensures all receiving materials, in-process product and outbound product adheres to HP Hood, LLC quality standards.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Pulls, logs and completes finished product and processing sample testing for all specification requirements on each product at the established sampling frequency. Physical, biological, chemical and organoleptic testing includes but is not limited to: butterfat and solids (Foss and CEM), cryoscopy, temperature, acidity, homogenization efficiency, DMC, gram stains, agar/petrifilm plating, rapid-methods bioluminescence (EPIC), weights, code date verification, seal checks, pH, brix, coffee feathering, whipping, peroxide residuals, flavor, odor, appearance and shelf life analysis.
• Maintains certification by state for Beta-Lactam antibiotic testing to the Industry Supervisor level.
• Maintains calibration of thermometers, pipettes and scales per regulatory requirements to ensure accuracy of ongoing checks. Maintains accurate temperature records for refrigerators, freezers and incubators.
• Measures and maintains records of vitamin usage.
• Completes tank inventory recording butterfat, solids, acidity and DMC at the specific frequency per management.
• Verifies non-conforming product (raw or finished), properly windows and tags affected product, issues hold reports and samples at time of hold from affected units where applicable. Coordinates resampling of hold product and completion of product disposition.
• Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up by thorough inspection and proper ATP swabbing. Maintains detailed records.
• Maintains laboratory supply inventory notifying QA Supervisor upon need.
• Ensures all laboratory documentation (forms, SOPs, etc.) is current and properly completed by lab personnel.
• Trains Quality technicians and ensures that performance of testing meets all regulatory and internal specifications.
• Maintains shelf life/retain cooler in a clean, orderly manner.
• Any and all duties as directed by QA supervision and/or management.

Eligibility Requirements

• Meet the job requirements
• Bachelor’s in Science preferred; Associates of Science and/or 75+ credit hours towards the attainment of a Bachelor’s in Science required.
• Must have been in current position for at least one year, or have your manager’s approval.
• Must have satisfactory job performance in current position.
• Must have no active written corrective action warning on file.  Verbal Corrective actions that are active and written corrective actions that have expires will not be used to disqualify an applicant. Lateral of downward bids are permitted.
• The successful bidder on any job may not bid on another position for 12 months.

Work Schedule:

• Requires morning, afternoon and overnight availability any day of the week based on assigned shift.
• Requests to be scheduled off for a specific day require advance notification and approval by Supervisor/Manager.
• Salary: Generally scheduled for 40 hours; more hours may be required based on the needs of the business.

Environmental Concerns:

• Normally protected from weather and temperature changes possible exposure to hot cold wet, humid or windy weather conditions does exist.
• May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens
• May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.