A Typical Day

The Lab Technician is responsible for the accurate performance of all microbiological testing and sampling at the Hilmar Facility. Ensure the timely and accurate flow of information to the plant staff and customer service by maintaining files and entering results into data base. Interpret results and initiate endpoint testing as needed. Maintain ledgers and equipment in order to insure the validation of all processes. Assist in the compilation of data or initiation of new testing as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Learn and efficiently perform lab tests presently conducted, and lab testing initiated in the future.
• Will be expected to be flexible and at most times able to do multiple test steps at once.
• Ability to assume duties without being asked and solve problems on an independent basis.
• Enter test results into the databas and generate reports
• Comply with all internal and external lab proficiency tests.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Demonstrates proficiency on position specific needs and analysis requirements
• Demonstrates compliance of the proficiency tests by generating results that consistently fall within 2 z-scores.
• As tasks are introduced, lab staff may be asked to take a written procedure, order their own supplies, and start performing the testing with little input.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal customers
• Manage and maintain confidential information
• Maintain professional standards and demonstrate sound judgment during peaks periods of activity
• Annual completion of OSHA required safety training.

What You Will Need

• English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write and speak English
• High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution plus1 year lab experience (Lab experience can include HS science courses)
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
• Must be open to working weekends, holidays and rotating shifts (day/swing/graveyard) as necessary) and working overtime as necessary
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

What Will Put You Ahead

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field
• Experience in a Lab I, II or III role or 1 year lab experience
• Intermediate experience in SAP
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Has completed/in the process of completing HCC Level 1 Leadership training

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:

• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
• Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
• Employees must be physically capable of working in any of the job tasks within their respective areas.
• Required to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.