The Laboratory, Quality & Research Technician supports food safety, product quality, laboratory testing, and research initiatives across plant operations. This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing data for internal and external stakeholders, performing laboratory testing and equipment verification, assisting with product and process validation projects, maintaining internal and external laboratory records, and supporting other continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer, company, and regulatory requirements.
Shift/Hours: 40 hours. Monday through Friday although may vary depending upon schedule and staffing, which may include day, evening, night, holiday, and weekend hours. Must be willing to work additional hours as needed.
Education, Licensure and Experience
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Minimum of 3 years of industry related experience in fresh meat or pork processing or food manufacturing.
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science or other science field preferred or;
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Equivalent combination of education and laboratory/quality experience.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a minimum of 18 years of age and 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (Please note: This in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary and appropriate.):
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Perform various routine lab analyses according to established procedures for plant testing needs, including microbiological and chemical analyses. May include but not limited to Salmonella, APC, E. Coli, Staph, Yeast and Mold, Ractopamine, ELISA, fat/moisture/protein/color/pH, and other analyses.
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Create and communicate lab results to various departments and individuals internally and externally.
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Assist in product shelf-life sample collection and evaluation.
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Assist with in-plant testing and trials on carcasses pre-evisceration, post-evisceration, and post-chilling and on various primals and parts.
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Collect samples and perform sensory, physical, and analytical checks on muscles, organs, and various pork products and support data collection for various quality testing initiatives.
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Prepare samples for shipment to third-party labs.
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Data entry of samples from internal analysis and 3rd party labs.
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Clean and maintain lab and laboratory equipment and complete calibration records in accordance with established preventative maintenance schedules.
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Prepare laboratory samples and media; inventory and order laboratory and quality testing supplies.
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Assist with in-plant product evaluations and quality reviews.
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Coordinate with internal departments and other stakeholders to collect and ship product samples externally.
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Assist with validation and verification studies that support plant food safety and quality programs.
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Provide relief coverage of the Laboratory Supervisor position.
Language Skills
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the language of the majority cultural group in order to communicate effectively. Must be able to hear enough to understand those individuals as well. Ability to read, interpret, and comprehend documents such as grafts/flow sheets, financials, general professional articles and publications, governmental regulations, safety rules, assignment sheets, and procedure manuals. Must be able to write reports, business correspondence, and other administrative forms as outlined above.
Must be able to effectively communicate in both individual and group settings. Must be able to present information and respond to questions from individuals and/or groups.
Mathematical Skills
In order to perform duties, must be able to:
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Add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure such as whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and fractions.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense and judgment in solving problems and interpreting and understanding instructions furnished in written or oral form. Must be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action yet reason when to involve supervisor.
Computer Skills
Intermediate computer knowledge with the ability to learn software required. Must have the ability to utilize Microsoft Office to generate reports and analysis.
Other Skills and Abilities
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Display strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
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Basic office skills such as phone skills, voice mail, copying, faxing, typing, and directing visitors.
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Ability to function independently given assigned duties.
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Ability to communicate, work, and interact with a variety of individuals.
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Strong understanding of aseptic technique in the laboratory.
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Understand and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
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Communicate with outside vendors to order laboratory supplies, troubleshoot equipment, and schedule needed calibrations.
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and/or fingers to feel, manipulate small objects, write, and type. The employee is frequently required to bend; squat/kneel; twist/turn; sit; talk; hear and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull; climb; walk; stand; and balance. The employee must occasionally lift/carry/move up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The job requires standing on feet for the majority of the shift.
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and to warm/cold and/or humid/dry conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently subject to interruptions.
We offer a competitive benefits package which includes:
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Company matching Retirement Plan
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Paid time off
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Short term and long term disability
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Referral program
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Flexible Spending and Health Savings Plans
Wholestone Farms is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
