Laboratory Technician

Description

Hirzel Canning Company feeds people. Hirzel Canning Company & Farms is a 5th-generation family company with a passion for serving the community. Our Dei Fratelli brand is your source for locally-grown tomato and sauerkraut products.  We seek individuals that share our core values, our commitment to future generations, and our passion for providing food that brings families together. A few of the benefits you’ll experience at Hirzel Canning Company are: 

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Annual Pay Increases
• Employer 401(k) Matching
• Health Savings Account with Employer Contributions
• Health and Wellness Program
• Community Involvement
• Family-Centric Environment  

Candidates must be willing and able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

JOB SUMMARY & KEY OBJECTIVES:
The Laboratory Technician conducts chemical, physical, and microbiological testing on raw material, in-process, and finished samples using FDA and approved procedures to ensure they meet approved specifications.  This position reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

QUALITY LABORATORY

• Conduct chemical, physical, and microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process, finished product, packaging, and environmental samples.  
• Collect samples for quality testing and properly store them
• Document analysis on the proper forms and accurately enter the information into the quality database. 
• Ensure all quality records are complete, accurate, and legible.
• Be adequately trained in CCP/PC evaluation with the ability to take immediate action and complete deviation procedures. 
• Prepare ingredient blends when required
• Perform basic calibration/validation of laboratory or other quality-related equipment
• Promote consciousness of quality assurance within the workforce
• Assist production staff by printing recipe sheets as needed
• Aid QA Supervisor or QA Manager with special quality projects

FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY

• Assist in the daily monitoring and enforcement of employee compliance with health and hygiene rules involving safety, GMP’s, SQF, and other plant programs
• Assist with SQF projects and corrective actions

EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS

• Commitment to our purpose and core values
• Commitment to performing job duties in a safe manner and watching out for the safety of others
• Compliance with all Company policies and procedures.  
• Takes ownership of work to make sure it is completed accurately, efficiently and on time.  Will work with a sense of urgency, enthusiasm, and commitment, and will encourage others to do the same. 
• Will promote a positive attitude. Responsible to establish and maintain positive working relationships that are based on respect for all. 
• Will embrace Plant/Company change and support its implementation.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

• Reaching with hands and arms
• Communication through speech, hearing, and in writing
• Daily requirements:
  • Bending, twisting, turning, reaching below the knee, pushing, pulling, squatting, kneeling, standing, walking, sitting
• Lifting requirements: 
  • Will regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
  • Will frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 2 - 5 years experience working in a manufacturing environment.  Previous food manufacturing laboratory experience preferred.  
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in X3, Google Docs, and MS Office Products
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with basic laboratory instrumentation and techniques
• Demonstrated ability with basic computer and math skills
• Demonstrated ability to accurately collect, record, and report data both written and electronically

NOTE: Attendance on the job each and every day is absolutely essential to the efficient operation of the 

Company 

The responsibilities and duties outlined in this document are not all-inclusive and are subject to change

at the discretion of management based upon the needs of the company.

In the absence of key personnel, the supervisor will assume responsibility to see the functions of this job

are performed as required.  

Hirzel Canning Co & Farms provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Hirzel Canning Co. & Farms is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.