Laboratory Technician

Job description

Work Schedule This role is anticipated to work 12-hour shifts on the crew schedule with the expectation to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as scheduled. Purpose and Objective of Position This position ensures the quality of products manufactured and distributed by a fully integrated soybean processing facility. This role is expected to perform accurate and timely lab analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and other samples as required to support operational decisions to maintain company standards, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain food/feed safety programs. Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions Laboratory Operations: Perform daily testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure the quality meets internal and external customer specifications Collect and maintain retention samples appropriately according to schedule; dispose of outdated samples appropriately Manage multiple tasks efficiently to meet testing deadlines Understand Official Methods used for testing (e.g., ASTM, EN, AOCS, etc.). Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing methods. Accurately enter test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Generate all Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on finished products and special COAs requested by commercial (e.g., transloads, commingles, 3rd party, customer requests, data sheets, etc.). Collect samples from operational areas as required Collect and ship samples as needed (e.g., referee sample, customer requests, 3rd party testing, etc.). Maintain a clean and organized lab environment in compliance with housekeeping standards Maintain skill levels as training is completed through the level progression system Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Manager. Process Control & Improvement: Analyze production and certification samples and communicate results promptly to operations personnel. Report out of specification or out of trend results to management Collect samples as required to maintain the environmental monitoring program Perform ATP swabs as required in operational areas to ensure cleanliness Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs: Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Food Safety Management Systems, including FSSC 22000 Understand and adhere to NOPA Trading Rules Company Conformance Statements In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. Interact professionally with co-workers, company business associates and the general public. Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the company Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and company policy Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses Basic qualifications: High School Diploma Experience working in a laboratory or quality testing environment. Preferred qualifications: Education: 2-year or 4-year technical diploma or degree in chemistry, food science, biochemistry, microbiology related field Experience: 1-year or more of analytical chemistry laboratory experience in the food, feed, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, or related industry. Consideration will be given to laboratory experience gained through the duration of the education. Experience operating laboratory analytical equipment such as GC, ICP, Karl Fischer, Elementar, NIR Prior quality inspection or testing experience PCQI, HACCP, internal auditor, laboratory, chemical, or quality certifications are desirable Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) Basic qualifications: Strong analytical skills Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively Ability to learn and follow testing procedures Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word) Strong mathematical skills Ability to work in a safe manner and follow all safety standards and procedures Ability to safely handle chemicals including strong acids or bases Equipment Used Standard laboratory equipment and machinery (e.g., FTIR, GC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Karl Fisher, NIR, analytical balance, colorimeter, titrator). Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, printer/scanner, fax machine. Personal protective equipment as required. Working Conditions Laboratory work is in a typical climate-controlled laboratory environment. Continuous 24/7 plant operation; this position works 12 hours/day, including nights, weekends and holidays as scheduled. May include shift work and call-in availability on days off or other atypical hours/schedules. Daily visits to industrial operations areas for sample collection are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. as needed to support lab operations and sample handling. Must be able to be on feet for extended periods of time as required by laboratory and plant activities. Regular exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, odors and flammable liquids. Exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise. Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities Is an active member of the facility SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) Program Comply with the laboratory safety program Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and adheres to all applicable requirements Completes required initial and annual refresher trainings as assigned Shares in responsibility of maintaining the lab in an orderly and safe manner Reports unsafe working conditions to Management as soon as practicable Quality & Product Safety Responsibilities Maintains good working knowledge of Quality and Product Safety policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work. Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and product safe manner. Ensure unsafe product working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable. Employee Supervision No direct supervisory responsibilities. Decision Making/Accountability Works in a safe and efficient manner in the chemical laboratory testing product Accurately performs tests and records results Works independently on routine duties but consults with supervisor on any problems or unusual test results Follows established testing methodologies to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results Communicate testing results to necessary parties to ensure quality and meet production standards Comply with governmental and company policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance Evaluation and Performance Criteria Ability to deliver accurate and complete results within established deadlines Consistently ensures precision and reliability in laboratory testing and reporting Maintains professionalism, positive attitude, and effective communication in all interactions Clearly communicates information across departments, such as the need for additional samples, results of analysis, etc. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting priorities Works collaboratively, supports colleagues, and contributes to a positive and productive team environment Respond effectively to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs Adheres to all SHE standards and laboratory protocols. Successfully completes required training program and applies learned skills to daily responsibilities. Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status. What We Offer We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world. - Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage - 401k with Company Match - Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays - Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles) Diversity & Inclusion LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Equal employment opportunity (EEO) Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Sustainability Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.