Part-Time Technician - Research, Innovation & Development (Brookings, SD)

Bel Brands•Brookings, SD

9d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives. The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID. #IWorkForAllForGood Job Description Summary The Technician will assist the Pilot Plant Manager with cheese and packaging trials and innovation projects. Hours are about 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Central Time) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, plus occasional extra hours, for up to 20 hours per week.

Requirements

Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills
Accurate data recording and data documentation skills
Openness and willingness to learn new skills
Requires education generally equivalent to a High School Diploma.
Ability to read and understand laboratory procedures.
Ability to function as a team member and contribute to group goals.
Ability to operate a variety of office, laboratory and pilot equipment such as a personal computer, water baths, incubator, PH meters, salt analyzer, scales, and rapid and reference chemistry testing methods, climate chambers, pressing equipment, and mini cheese vats
Able to create and edit spreadsheets, enter and organize data in Microsoft Excel.
Requires good oral communication skills to effectively deal with coworkers.
Employees must wear safety glasses, protective gloves, hair net, plant uniform, bump cap, and rubber boots, as required.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in food production, pilot-scale trials, or laboratory settings (preferred)
Familiarity with food safety regulations and sanitation protocols (preferred; training will be provided)
Prefer a good knowledge of State of South Dakota rules that regulate the dairy industry, testing procedures, and documentation techniques.

Responsibilities

Prepare equipment and materials for trials, including: Pre-cleaning equipment, tools and workspaces Post-cleaning after trial completion Preparing wax for application Preparing the brining process for application
Execute product and packaging innovation trials
Adjustments to pressing parameters during trials
Monitor climate chambers and ensure proper conditions are maintained
Execute mini vat trials, ensuring safe and effective use of pilot plant equipment
Execute cheese waxing
Create packaging mockup samples
Prepare samples for shipment
Accurately collect trial data, including pH, temperature, and other relevant metrics
Gather production reference data
Evaluate quality parameters of trial products
Monitor and collect cleaning process data
Execute pilot plant sanitation duties to ensure standards are met
Perform tasks in a safe, organized, and independent manner
Evaluate cleaning performance
Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned by management.
Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices as stated within the policy
Follows all Safety rules & procedures by working safely and ensuring safety of others
Follows all food safety procedures
Follows all environmental protocols as applicable
Follows all sanitation procedures and work instructions