What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Control Technician position at Plainsman LLC?
Department: Quality Reports To: Chemist/Lab Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Worker Category: Full-Time
Schedule: 7am - 5pm, varies during ginning season.
(Occasional weekend work schedule during high demand.)
Position Summary
The Quality Control Technician is responsible for performing routine laboratory and in-process quality testing of crude and refined cottonseed oil, cottonseed meal, and by-products. The role supports production by ensuring products meet established chemical, physical, and regulatory standards, while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to safety procedures.
1. Oil Quality Testing
Perform routine analysis on:
- Crude cottonseed oil
- Refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) oil
- Soapstock and fatty acids
Tests include:
- Free Fatty Acids (FFA) – titration method
- Peroxide Value (PV)
- Moisture & Volatile Matter
- Insoluble Impurities
- Lovibond Color measurement
- Phosphorus (as directed)
Follow approved methods from:
- American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS)
- ISO quality procedures
- Applicable feed/food regulatory authorities
2. Cottonseed Meal & Feed Testing
Conduct routine testing of cottonseed meal for:
- Crude Protein (Kjeldahl, Dumas, or NIR method)
- Moisture Content
- Crude Fiber
- Ash
- Residual Oil (Soxhlet extraction)
- Free Gossypol (as required)
- Operate and maintain protein analyzer equipment.
- Prepare samples according to laboratory SOPs.
- Record and verify results prior to release.
- Issue Certificates of Analysis (COA) as assigned.
3. In-Process Quality Monitoring
- Collect production samples at designated control points.
- Monitor neutralization efficiency and bleaching performance.
- Report out-of-specification (OOS) results immediately.
- Assist production with corrective actions when required.
4. Laboratory Operations
- Prepare reagents and standard solutions.
- Calibrate laboratory instruments (balances, moisture analyzers, titration units).
- Maintain clean and organized work areas.
- Dispose of chemical waste according to safety standards.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and logs.
5. Safety & Compliance
- Follow plant safety rules and chemical handling procedures.
- Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Support internal and external quality audits.
- Ensure compliance with feed and food safety requirements.
Qualifications
Education
- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.
Experience
- 1–3 years laboratory experience (edible oil, feed mill, or food processing preferred).
- Experience operating protein analyzers or moisture analyzers is an advantage.
Technical Skills
- Basic knowledge of oilseed and edible oil testing methods
- Familiarity with titration and gravimetric analysis
-
Ability to operate:
- Kjeldahl, Dumas, or other protein systems
- Moisture analyzer
- Soxhlet extraction unit
- Spectrophotometer
- Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting
Key Competencies
- Strong attention to detail
- Good record-keeping skills
- Ability to follow SOPs strictly
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work in an industrial environment
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing plant environment
- Exposure to chemicals, heat, and production equipment
- May require shift work
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy of test results
- Laboratory turnaround time
- Compliance with quality specifications
- Reduction of out-of-spec product releases
- Audit readiness
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
REASONING ABILITY: Understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
ADDITIONAL 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, climb stairs, ladders, and Cat Walks at heights of 30 feet. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. It is essential to know the following:
- Work in hot, humid, dusty, or noisy conditions
- Lab setting: exposure to chemicals and allergens.
- Must maintain cleanliness when completing tasks.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee may at times work in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. Use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, respirators, hearing protectors, etc., is required in designated areas.
Review next Section for EEO Statement and Agreement
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Plainsman, LLC. Industries Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and believe that a variety of perspectives foster innovation and success. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and training practices are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all employees.
Plainsman, LLC. complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and other relevant statutes.