Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Type: Hourly 
Work Designation:  Onsite
Shift: Second 

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, perform a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. Assist plant operations personnel with quality and processing matters.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Test, monitor and accurately document quality results and processing data for products produced from receipt through to finished products. Maintain and complete files and documentation accurately and timely
• Audit, verify and follow-up process controls such as weight checks, batch sheets, HACCP, plant inspections, receiving, etc. Thoroughly understand and competently apply routine and special analytical procedures (including chemical titrations, visual inspections, flavoring and advanced technical analyses) using prescribed standard methods. Establish analytical priorities in collaboration with quality control, process and packaging supervision. Maintain expertise in the food safety requirements of the products produced and support adherence to HACCP principles and regulatory expectations
• Support process variations as they relate to formula adjustments to satisfy customer requirements
• Maintain a high and effective level of communication with all operating departments
• Expertly utilize analytical lab equipment including analysis operation procedure, calibration procedures and routine maintenance
• Understand and apply the functionality of the Unshippable Program
• Utilize AS400 and JDE computer system for necessary quality functions
• Work toward gaining the knowledge and understanding of the crystallization and tempering of oils, margarines, shortening, mayonnaises, dressings and sauces
• Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations. Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned; travel may be required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of experience in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science
• Food manufacturing lab environment experience in fats, oils, dressings preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent math, problem solving, and organizational skills. Ability to work with minimum supervision and be a self-starter
• Ability to use, operate and maintain various analytical equipment in the laboratory.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels
• Requires computer skills including Microsoft Office products and Outlook 

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Retirement savings options
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
• On-the-job training

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.  Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day.   Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required.  Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements.  In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.