ENVRIONMENTAL MONITORING TECHNICIAN-3RD SHIFT

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

• Independently performs environmental monitoring as written in NOW’s Microbiology Laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedure.
• Performs routine environmental monitoring of surfaces, water, and air.
• Performs visual inspection of production workstations for maintenance and sanitation work orders.
• Collects swab sample for ATP, Allergen, and Pathogen testing.
• Collects air and water samples for testing.
• Reports environmental monitoring results for trending.
• Orders laboratory supplies.
• Assists microbiologists on testing preparations and disposal of biohazards.
• Communicates with other departments regarding corrective actions, out-of-specifications and out-of-trend results.
• Monitors soap and sanitizer concentration in all sanitation rooms.
• For the Bloomingdale locations, may be required to support both the 391 and 395 locations based on business needs.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe warehouse and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in Science preferred.
• At least one year of experience working in a cGMP environment
• At least two years’ experience working in Quality and/or a Sanitation department
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel.
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations required.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Competency as shown by accuracy of work and meeting productivity levels set by the Microbiology Laboratory supervisor. Meets proficiency standards conducted for microbiology laboratories. Demonstrated ability to train and mentor other employees.

Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety and efficiency goals. Good problem solving skills required. Ability to work independently; prioritize and calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate a strong sense of urgency to meet deadlines; and flexibility to change tasks frequently. Strong teamwork skills; ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others; strong attention to detail skills; and demonstrated high quality of work. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak and write effectively.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to compare results to specifications and determine if result meets requirements. Must have excellent problem solving, decision making and troubleshooting skills. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends.

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.

When working in the Microbiology laboratory:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms to properly handle and prepare samples and materials in the lab as needed. The employee is regularly required to handle testing equipment, raw materials and finished product, tools, or controls and communicate in person and on the telephone.

Repetitive proper handling and manipulation of the tools, instruments and materials during required procedures in preparation of samples are frequently required. In addition, computer keyboard and mouse usage is regularly required.

The employee frequently is required to use his/her sense of taste and smell; to reach overhead; stand; to lift boxes to 36 inches; lift 30 lbs. from floor to 36 inches; lift 20 lbs. from 36 inches, carry 30 ft. and return to 36 inches (i.e. carry boxes). The employee is regularly required to move from place to place within the facility and to occasionally climb, balance, or stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

When working on the Production floor:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand and/or walk throughout the facility; ascend and/or descend stairs; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to enter information into a computer, handle product in various stages and forms (i.e. raw materials, work in progress, and finished products in liquid, powdered, and tablet forms), in addition to equipment and/or tools. The employee frequently is required to use his/her sense of smell.

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• 5 lbs. from ground level and place at 61 high inch level; return to original position.
• Up to 30 lb. force for up to 25 feet and then pull to original position.
• Up to 33 lbs. from 5 inches off ground and raise to 47 inches and then return 33 lbs. to original position.
• Up to 50 lbs. for 3 feet at waist level; lift bag/box onto side and return to original position.
• Pallets weighing up to 55 lbs. from floor onto one side, move it up to 10 ft. and return to original position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• As required, works in a loud area that requires hearing protection and other protective equipment to be worn.
• Works around ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, etc. and chemicals such as alcohol, that may require respiratory protection.
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
• Frequently exposed to vapors, airborne particles and/or herbal aromas.
• Frequently exposed to all of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat and Soybeans, except for peanuts.
• Must be able to travel, including travel to other facilities and contract manufacturers.

Benefits:
401K, Donation-Matching Program, Employee Referral Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Medical, Dental and Vision, On Site Cafeteria, Paid Holidays, Performance bonus, Prescription Drug Coverage, Retirement / Pension Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation/paid time off

About the Company:
NOW Foods

Founded by Elwood Richard in 1968 on the belief that natural is better, NOW Health Group (NHG) is still a family-owned company today. NHG comprises Puresource, Canada’s leading national distributor and manufacturer of natural health products; The Fruitful Yield, a chain of 14 natural food stores in the Chicagoland area, and NOW®, the largest division of the company and manufacturer of more than 1,400 dietary supplements, foods, sports nutrition, beauty & health products and essential oils that are sold in more than 80 countries. In addition, NOW offers an additional 200 skus through its health practitioner brand, Protocol For Life Balance® and recently acquired SuperNutrition vitamins. NOW also private labels for a variety of brands and health food retailers across the country. NHG has over 1,800 employees across North America. After more than 50 years in the natural products industry, NHG remains committed to its original mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.

Company Size:
1,000 to 1,499 employees

Industry:
Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturing

Founded:
1968

Website:
https://www.nowfoods.com/now/about-now/careers