Lab Technician I

Aviagen•Quitman, GA

18h

About The Position

The Lab Technician I manages day-to-day technical aspects of the laboratory quality system. The role coordinates activities required to meet ISO technical requirements, monitors and advises on system performance, distributes performance reports, and liaises with internal Lab Quality and Technical Specialists to support compliance. The position processes samples, performs routine laboratory tests under direct supervision, prepares laboratory media and solutions, and enters samples and results into the laboratory data management system. The technician maintains adequate laboratory supplies, follows laboratory work instructions and company policies, and maintains hygiene in the workspace and with equipment and tools. Weekend rotations may be required as necessary, and work is performed during normal or assigned working hours. Other duties may be assigned by Laboratory Management. The role involves handling farm samples while maintaining sample integrity and remaining attentive to surroundings, assigned tasks, aberrant results, potential contamination, and data-collection practices. For biosecurity purposes, the candidate cannot own or house wild or domesticated avian species and must follow a strict 72-hour quarantine period after contact with non-Hubbard avian species. Work takes place indoors year-round, with some tasks possibly requiring outdoor work. Conditions can include uneven terrain, hot or cold temperatures, airborne particles such as dust and dander, farm smells and odors, chemicals including detergents, disinfectants, and vaccines, and possible exposure to blood and other bodily fluids while handling samples. The work may require wearing task-specific PPE such as safety glasses, work gloves, and work shoes. Tasks may involve repetitive bending, lifting, kneeling, standing, walking, and contact with live animals. Aviagen offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage, subject to plan documents. Employees are also eligible for company-observed paid holidays and paid time off at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on hire date.

Requirements

Be comfortable handling farm samples while maintaining sample integrity.
Remain attentive to surroundings, the task at hand, aberrant results, potential contamination, and general data-collection practices.
Must not own or house any wild or domesticated avian species for biosecurity purposes.
Adhere to a strict 72-hour quarantine period after contact with non-Hubbard avian species.
Be able to walk and stand for extended periods and safely traverse uneven terrain.
Frequently carry or lift objects and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Perform repetitive tasks requiring hand and wrist dexterity.
Safely pick up materials stored at ground level.
Apply 50 pounds of force to push carts.
Frequently kneel or squat and perform tasks at floor level or on the knees.
Wear work-required PPE for identified tasks, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and work shoes.
Work indoors year-round and, in some situations, outdoors; tolerate possible hot and cold temperatures, airborne particles, farm-related smells and odors, chemicals, and potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
Be willing to work weekend rotations as necessary.

Responsibilities

Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies to prevent work delays.
Process samples accurately and efficiently.
Follow procedures outlined in laboratory work instructions.
Perform assigned routine laboratory tests under direct supervision.
Prepare media and solutions used in the laboratory.
Enter samples and results into the laboratory data management system.
Follow company policies and established requirements regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, safety, ISO 17025 accreditation, and drugs and alcohol.
Attend work during normal working hours or the schedule assigned by Laboratory Management.
Maintain good hygiene in the laboratory workspace and with equipment and tools.
Coordinate activities required to meet ISO technical requirements, monitor and advise on system performance, and distribute performance reports.
Liaise with internal Lab Quality and Technical Specialists to ensure compliance.
Perform other duties as required by Laboratory Management.