What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician position at Jacob Stern & Sons?
Job Title: Lab Technician
Reports to: Plant Manager
Location: In-person (Dakota City, NE)
OUR COMPANY:
JST Global, LLC, is a joint venture formed in 2020 between Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc, and Jacob Stern & Sons. At JST Global, LLC we are steadfast in our commitment to our employees and their families. As the largest US trader of tallow, we are proud to serve the worldwide fats and oils market. This includes supporting the rapidly developing field of renewable fuels, personal care, animal feed, and specialty chemical markets. JST Global, LLC, has industry expertise to market and transport fat and oil products virtually anywhere in the world with offices and processing operations located in Houston, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Dakota City, Nebraska. We are a company with a 160 year heritage and we are just getting started!
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Plant Manager with an indirect line to the Quality Manager (Houston), the Lab Technician will serve as a member of the Quality Control Team. The Lab Technician will execute the day-to-day operations of the laboratory to accomplish company key results, objectives, and drive quality control improvements throughout the facility. This position works closely with the Quality Manager, Lab Supervisor, and Inventory & Production Manager to provide input and feedback on product transfers, product blending opportunities and to ensure product is on-spec for upcoming shipments. In addition to ensuring proper testing and quality assurance of our tallow products, this position will also manage laboratory testing and storage of products for third party storage customers.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Execute daily testing of various products in the lab, including but not limited to tallow, vegetable oils, and wastewater.
- Ensure all testing is completed in a timely and responsible manner.
- Be proactive in learning about new technology and equipment that will benefit the lab and the tests that are conducted.
- Maintain an inquisitive nature while promoting teamwork.
- Ensure all chemicals and lab equipment are properly secured and maintained. This ensures the lab is fully functional and meets the requirements of OSHA.
- Maintain proper records of all HAZMAT materials and coordinate disposal with EHSS when necessary.
- Support the Quality Manager on new processes, innovative ideas, and technological advancements.
- Ensure effective communication with the Plant Manager, Quality Manager, Lab Supervisor, Inventory & Production Manager.
- Create COA’s as needed for truck and railcar shipments.
- Ensure all testing is carried out safely and in accordance with JST Global’ s policies, AOCS procedures and generally accepted safe testing practices.
- Maintain annual AOCS certification.
- Provide informational and technical tours of the lab.
- Actively resolve internal and external quality discrepancies.
- Maintain all samples and retains in an efficient and organized manner.
- Assist with daily production planning with respect to quality.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a laboratory environment.
- Associate degree in chemistry or related discipline preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
- Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedures.
- Ability to work closely with a diverse group of individuals and maintain effective working relationships with staff and customers.
- Experience with ICP-OES, Xray Fluorescence, Nitrogen testing, or Sulfur Analyzer is a plus.