Lab Technicians

Lab Technician

IQ Resource Group in Sheboygan is hiring 1st and 3rd shift Lab Technicians in Random Lake, WI. Shift:

1st shift: 6am-2:30pm M-F

3rd shift: 10pm-6:30am Sun-TH

Overview

The position has primary responsibility for ensuring the quality of the product and finished goods being produced and that they meet all customer specifications by performing the laboratory testing and line verifications.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

• Operate in accordance with all safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing practices (GMP) standards.
• Read, understand, and adhere to product specifications, including coding, carbonation (if applicable), pressures, air, PH, Brix, caffeine (if applicable), acid, weights and temperatures.
• Conduct regular line checks and sampling to verify product quality and ensure finished goods meet all customer requirements.
• Identify and segregate out-of-specification products, placing them on HOLD as needed.
• Perform sensory testing (flavor, visual, and odor comparisons) against standard references.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with production personnel in regard to line checks, adjustment requirements for meeting specifications, coding verification, etc.
• Foster a positive and professional work environment by collaborating respectfully with coworkers and supporting strong team relationships.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate lab instrumentation and testing equipment.
• Follow all customer standards/specifications, quality requirements and Federal, State and Local regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory work areas.
• Accurately complete and required quality documentation and reports.
• Analyze batch attributes conduct analytical and sensory tests, complete batch paperwork, and approve batches for production.
• Other duties of checking in HFCS/Sucrose/Concentrate tankers, water checks, micros, etc. as required/scheduled.
• Maintain sample libraries (organized and clean) per company requirements.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Chemistry or a related field preferred.
• Previous laboratory or quality control experience required; Food & Beverage industry experience strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Compliance with all Quality Management and Food Safety Management System requirements.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible shifts as needed.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward coworkers and other departments.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Competency in basic math and the ability to calculate averages, production rates, and other related formulas.
• Proficient in basic computer data entry and document management systems.
• Must complete and maintain Food Safety (Qualified Individual) certification.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to perform physical requirements of the job (prolonged physical exertions, including standing, sitting, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and climbing), perform repetitive motions for extended period of time (up to 2-3 hours) and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects; using measurement devices at distances close to the eyes.
• Ability to work in various conditions with exposure to extreme heat, cold, dust and fumes.
• Physical dexterity is required to measure, pipette and transfer samples into plates and tubes.

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.

• Lab and food manufacturing plant working environment.
• Noise level in the lab is moderate. While in the plant, hearing protection is required.
• When located in the plant, the environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), moderate cold and hot temperature (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to raw food ingredients (including allergens) and chemicals.
• Due to food and safety regulations, wearing of hairnets, bump cap and steel toed or composite toed shoes are required at all times while in the plant. Additional PPE, including but not limited to goggles and gloves, will be required based on the labs assignments being conducted.