Lab Technician

KIKKOMAN FOODS INC•Jefferson, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Technician works in the laboratory area and may perform analytical systems operation, data entry, solution and media preparation, microbial analysis, and titrations. Although not every task is performed daily, Grade 5 workers must be able to perform each job to support coverage during absences and for training. The role involves setting up and operating analytical equipment manually or automatically, responding to problems, and making adjustments using judgment and experience. Equipment is regularly upgraded, so the technician must learn and retain new job skills. The technician performs accurate calculations, communicates quickly and precisely with coworkers, and works with chemicals and scientific equipment. The role requires reading digital displays and buret markings, distinguishing slight color changes in liquids, calibrating equipment, and accurately pipetting large and small volumes. Work must follow workplace safety, food safety, GMP/HACCP, ISO 14001, and SQF requirements. The technician performs equipment inspections, coordinates assignments with a supervisor, assists with paperwork, and reports incidents and unsafe or food-safety-related conditions promptly. The position includes extended work in conditions of high temperature and humidity. Physical activities include prolonged sitting for computer tasks, frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing, and occasional reaching, climbing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and lifting or moving items up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

High school degree or GED.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Highly detail oriented.
Understanding and knowledge of basic mechanics.
Ability to perform all listed laboratory-area jobs as needed.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculate percentages quickly and accurately.
Ability to learn and retain new job skills as equipment is upgraded.
Basic understanding of chemicals, including their effects, interactions, and dangers.
Knowledge of scientific equipment setup and calibration and accurate pipetting.
Ability to see and read digital panel readouts and small numbers on burets, and to distinguish slight color changes in liquids.
Ability to communicate quickly and precisely in a sometimes noisy work environment.
Ability to work for extended periods in high-temperature and high-humidity conditions.
Ability to sit for long periods for computer-based office tasks; frequently sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; occasionally reach above the shoulders, climb, crouch, stoop, or kneel; and occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds from floor to waist level, up to 20 feet away.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory work such as analytical systems operation, data entry, solution and media preparation, microbial analysis, and titrations.
Set up and operate analytical machines manually or automatically; respond to operating problems and make appropriate adjustments.
Perform mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages, quickly and accurately.
Set up and calibrate scientific equipment and accurately pipette large and small volumes.
Follow workplace safety, food safety, ISO 14001, GMP/HACCP, and SQF procedures and requirements.
Wear required personal protective equipment and perform assignments safely.
Correct unsafe conditions and practices within one's control and maintain cleanliness and good housekeeping.
Complete GMP/HACCP requirements and follow ISO policies and work practice guidelines.
Immediately report accidents, chemical exposures, unsafe conditions or practices, significant environmental incidents, and conditions that violate GMP/HACCP or could adversely affect food safety to a supervisor.
Know emergency procedures and one's role in an emergency.
Participate in the Health and Safety Program, GMP/HACCP Program, and ISO 14001.
Inspect all equipment daily before operating it.
Coordinate daily work assignments with the supervisor and provide needed assistance with paperwork.
Perform roles defined in SQF procedures and other duties as assigned.
Communicate and behave in a manner that facilitates good relations with customers, clients, coworkers, and supervisors and maintains a positive work atmosphere.