Laboratory Technician

(Analytical Chemistry)

Revised January 2024

Supervisor’s Title: Laboratory Shift Manager

Reports to: Laboratory Shift Manager

Department: Quality Assurance

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly

Work Schedule: Shift Work

Job Summary

This position performs and documents routine tasks related to sample processing and assays using written operating procedures, standard laboratory methods, and/or basic laboratory techniques, functions, and equipment. The position conducts specific procedures and tests within the laboratory requiring the use of applied knowledge and practical skills learned from on-the-job experience.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Registers and prepares samples for general analytical testing through data entry, weighing, and physical preparation.
• Preps and performs routine to more complex analyses per PPLLQA methods.
• Reads and records results of analyses, making sure to keep identification numbers matched with correct samples.
• Operates basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, etc.
• Prepares (and assures accuracy of) standards, reagents, etc. needed for analyses.
• Functions as primary data generator, records and calculates data.
• Performs routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
• Conducts preliminary interpretations of data or observations.
• Carries out assignments in a timely, diligent, and safe manner and performs work in accordance with PPLLQA SOPs.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the position as requested.
• Promotes and adheres to all policies and procedures relating to Good Manufacturing’s Practices (GMP’s),
• food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Complies with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Administration, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).
• Complies with all company food safety policies and procedures (including Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Responsible for providing food safety and quality feedback to the appropriate manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Undergraduate degree in closely related science preferred (i.e. Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, et al.)
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

• Professionalism
• Ability to perform trained tasks at an above base level efficiency pace.
• Contributes to a team environment and builds effective relationships.
• Speaks up and gives productive feedback.
• Moderate learning agility with ability to pick up new skills in a timely manner.
• Can execute non routine tasks with little supervision.
• Emerging level initiative, results focus, and follow through.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Punctual and regular attendance is required.
• English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
• Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Reports all unsafe activity to manager and/or Human Resources.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Physical effort is regularly required.
• May be trained and required to operate a forklift.
• Ascending or descending ramps, stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolding.
• Frequently involves crouching, stooping, kneeling, and/or climbing or balancing.
• Frequently involves lifting more than 50lbs.

Typical Environmental Conditions:

• Works in food processing manufacturing facility with moderate noise.
• May be exposed to moderate to high noise levels (i/e., production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
• May be exposed to humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, fumes, and toxic chemicals.
• May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of failing, or areas with risk of electrical shock. May be exposed to ingredients that may cause allergic reactions and may be exposed to various allergen ingredients.