Lab Technician (LOCATION IS IN SASKATOON, CANADA)

SUMMARY  

Assists in all plant daily responsibilities related to Food Safety and Quality Control. Performs laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, or product development by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Set up, adjust, calibrate and operate laboratory equipment and instruments (examples: chemical balance scales, moisture, grinding, sieves).

Test samples of raw materials and manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications, regulatory requirements etc. as per procedure. Collect and send samples for 3^rd party testing as required as per procedure.

Record test results on standardized format as required by the site and enter results into database. Ensure samples are coded and tracked to maintain traceability of data.

Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment.

Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.

Participate in proficiency programs, certification programs, and internal/external audits as required by the site.

Support QA management in development, implementation, review and maintenance of the GFSI certification system, including food safety fundamentals.

Inspect facility for compliance with prerequisite programs and certification standards. Monitor and inform staff for compliance with hygienic requirements. 

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily in the time allowed. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.  Must possess excellent communication skills.   Fluent computer skills with a strong emphasis on P.C. based spreadsheet programs. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must speak fluent English as the primary language. Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret memos, general business communications, technical procedures, and governmental regulations and/or labels.  Must have the ability to write in English and complete reports.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must posses the ability to work with mathematical concepts and apply concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to analytical situations. 

REASONING ABILITY

Must posses the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Must have the ability to interpret technical instruction in mathematical or diagram form and deal with multiple tests operating at any given time. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to lift, handle, or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to communicate verbally and nonverbally.  The employee is required to stand, walk, and bend a large percentage of the workday.  The employee will be required to go into the manufacturing plant to sample, inspect, investigate, or assist with the operation on a daily basis.  The Laboratory Technician must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include both close and distance vision. The employee will be required to be available to work evenings and weekends as part of a shift rotation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is essentially that of a laboratory.  However, work in the mill and warehouse will require extended periods of exposure to high noise and dust levels.  Frequent contact with office personnel will also occur.  While performing the duties of this job, the Laboratory Technician is frequently exposed to a variety of chemicals, including acids, reducing agents, and bases, small to medium sized moving mechanical parts, flour dust and/or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but areas of the plant may reach 100 dB.  Ear protection, safety glasses, dust masks are provided for the employees safety.  The laboratory is an air-conditioned environment but the employee will be exposed to manufacturing temperatures that will exceed 37.8 Degree's C (100 Degree's F)  

SAFETY

While performing the essential job functions, the employee is expected to work in a safe manner and to follow/change company policies regarding safety.  It is the expectation and responsibility of the employee to report any and all injuries immediately to the General Manager and to resolve any safety situation that is substandard and poses a risk for employee injury, property damage or loss.

FOOD SAFETY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The company is committed to producing and delivering defect-free products.  To ensure this, all employees are required to be trained on and adhere to the Good Manufacturing Policies set forth by the Company as they pertain to personnel practices, equipment, and facilities.  It is also vital that all employees be aware of their work environment and prevents any accidental or intentional adulteration of products produced at this facility. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bay State Milling is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.