Laboratory, Quality & Research Technician

Wholestone Farms Cooperative Inc•Fremont, NE

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory, Quality & Research Technician supports food safety, product quality, laboratory testing, and research initiatives across plant operations. This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing data for internal and external stakeholders, performing laboratory testing and equipment verification, assisting with product and process validation projects, maintaining internal and external laboratory records, and supporting other continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer, company, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of industry related experience in fresh meat or pork processing or food manufacturing.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science or other science field preferred or; Equivalent combination of education and laboratory/quality experience.
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Ability to read, write, speak and understand the language of the majority cultural group in order to communicate effectively.
Ability to read, interpret, and comprehend documents such as grafts/flow sheets, financials, general professional articles and publications, governmental regulations, safety rules, assignment sheets, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and other administrative forms.
Ability to effectively communicate in both individual and group settings.
Ability to present information and respond to questions from individuals and/or groups.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure such as whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and fractions.
Ability to apply common sense and judgment in solving problems and interpreting and understanding instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action yet reason when to involve supervisor.
Intermediate computer knowledge with the ability to learn software required.
Ability to utilize Microsoft Office to generate reports and analysis.
Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Basic office skills such as phone skills, voice mail, copying, faxing, typing, and directing visitors.
Ability to function independently given assigned duties.
Ability to communicate, work, and interact with a variety of individuals.
Strong understanding of aseptic technique in the laboratory.
Understand and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
Communicate with outside vendors to order laboratory supplies, troubleshoot equipment, and schedule needed calibrations.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The job requires standing on feet for the majority of the shift.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science or other science field

Responsibilities

Perform various routine lab analyses according to established procedures for plant testing needs, including microbiological and chemical analyses. May include but not limited to Salmonella, APC, E. Coli, Staph, Yeast and Mold, Ractopamine, ELISA, fat/moisture/protein/color/pH, and other analyses.
Create and communicate lab results to various departments and individuals internally and externally.
Assist in product shelf-life sample collection and evaluation.
Assist with in-plant testing and trials on carcasses pre-evisceration, post-evisceration, and post-chilling and on various primals and parts.
Collect samples and perform sensory, physical, and analytical checks on muscles, organs, and various pork products and support data collection for various quality testing initiatives.
Prepare samples for shipment to third-party labs.
Data entry of samples from internal analysis and 3rd party labs.
Clean and maintain lab and laboratory equipment and complete calibration records in accordance with established preventative maintenance schedules.
Prepare laboratory samples and media; inventory and order laboratory and quality testing supplies.
Assist with in-plant product evaluations and quality reviews.
Coordinate with internal departments and other stakeholders to collect and ship product samples externally.
Assist with validation and verification studies that support plant food safety and quality programs.
Provide relief coverage of the Laboratory Supervisor position.