Quality Control Lab Technician

KLN Family BrandsKLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that "We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire."Some companies have to "fudge the story" a little. Some need the extra "spin" to shine a positive light on themselves. That's not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that's not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we're a pretty amazing company.Essential DutiesFollow all procedures to maintain a safe execution of dutiesHave knowledge on the lab testing equipment (examples: LECO Protein Analyzer, pH meter, water activity, texture analyzer, NIR Foss)Have knowledge of the Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in lab testing and wear proper safety protection equipmentWork with peer, supervisors and subordinate groupsPerform quality checks on finished product off the production linesCollect samples for analytical testing and product cuttingsCollect and retain samples of all products producedMake recommendations for lab improvementsAble to work in other areas of facility if requiredEnter results in IFS, Lab databaseCollect and monitor site microbiological monitoring programs (Environmental yeast, mold, and total plate counts, Enterobacteriaceae)Coordinate commissioning runs with line personnelCommunicate, submit samples, and sample submittal forms to outside labs as requiredVerify daily production and finished product sampling meets the facility's defined testing frequencyAssist with Hold LogAssist with other duties as assignedQualificationGeneral mathematical abilitySelf-motivationWork shifts as requiredGood judgement and reasoning abilitiesBasic Leadership SkillsBasic computer skillsSafe work recordGood attitudeUse of specialized lab equipmentSafetyFollow all safety instructions and policiesReport any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisorReport any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisorWear required PPE, including hard hat and hearing protectionEnvironmentalKeep work area clean and free of debrisFood SafetyWill maintain all sanitation schedules and general cleaningsFollow all GMPs and food safety instructionsReport food safety non-conformances to supervisorBenefitsHoliday payPaid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!Medical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceFSA, Medical & Dependent CareLong Term DisabilityLife InsurancePet Insurance401K with company match