What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Team Lead position at Valley Queen?
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Summary
This position is responsible for leading the laboratory staff in the completion of product and environmental testing to ensure compliance with regulatory, customer and internal product specifications. This position determines the methods used in sampling, measuring, examining and testing samples to determine adherence to specified requirements.
Essential Functions
- Lead verification of adherence to Quality Management System through microbiological, chemical, analytical and sensory evaluation of samples collected from the plant environment, in-process samples and finished products.
- Develop, implement and maintain practices and procedures required to meet A2LA laboratory accreditation requirements to comply with ISO 17025 standards and Grade A certified laboratory status.
- Maintain laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standards, developing operations, quality and troubleshooting procedures, ensuring staff compliance, certifying instrument performance, researching and recommending new technology and arranging existing equipment replacement, service and repair.
- Direct the training of subordinate employees in modern methods of laboratory analysis and the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment.
- Direct and perform work to improve existing laboratory procedures.
- Participate in the routine verification of FSFQ practices within the production facility.
- Prepare comprehensive and detailed reports on the work of the laboratory.
- Resolve procedural or operational problems related to laboratory analysis by writing guidelines and making technical recommendations.
- Perform mathematical calculations, statistical computations, and analytical quality control calculations for preparation of laboratory reports.
- Review the work products of others to ensure compliance with procedures and product specifications.
- Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensure accurate results entry and communicates results in a manner that ensures all related stakeholders receive timely, relative and accurate results.
- Oversee laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas, identifying peak and downtime and making the necessary operational adjustments.
- Provide leadership to laboratory staff to effectively manage work hours to ensure efficient use of time and labor.
- Manage the inventory of laboratory supplies to ensure no disruption in testing due to a shortage of supplies as well as no waste due to expired inventory.
- Identify and participate in training courses aimed at continued development of professional and technical skills.
Competencies
- Strong Communication Skills
- Technical Knowledge
- Organizational Skills
- Trend Analysis
- Computer Skills
Supervisory Responsibility
This position is responsible for the performance management and input on recruitment of employees within the laboratory.
Work Environment
This position spends approximately 50 percent of the time in an office environment with 40 percent spent in a laboratory environment and 10 percent in a factory environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level is significant when working in the factory environment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands for this position are mainly able to do sedentary work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently will need to sit, stand, walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time position. Typical hours of work are approximately 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., five days per week working a rotating schedule including every other weekend. This position is part an on-call and weekend coverage rotation.
Travel
Less than 10 percent travel expected for this position.
Required Education, Experience & Certifications
Associate degree in microbiology, chemistry or a laboratory field of study with a minimum of three years of experience working in an accredited laboratory. Proficiency in basic computer skills.
Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry or a laboratory field of study with a minimum of five years of experience working in an accredited laboratory. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Bilingual in English/Spanish.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.
Five days per week working a rotating schedule including every other weekend.
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.