Senior Lab Technician - 2nd Shift

Land O'Lakes•Hampton, IA

About The Position

The Senior Lab Technician performs routine and nonroutine quality-control testing, including physical testing and chemical analysis of samples, and troubleshoots analytical instrumentation. The role interprets results for accuracy, credibility, and compliance with specifications; identifies analytical or product-quality problems; and supports investigations and corrective actions. It works primarily in laboratory areas and has direct contact with plant personnel, including plant management. The technician works with minimal direct supervision and may train lower-level laboratory technicians in procedures, physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis, and instrument troubleshooting. Responsibilities also include maintaining laboratory supplies and solutions, following laboratory and company policies, properly handling RCRA hazardous waste, supporting quality programs, and completing required senior-level certification.

Requirements

At least four years of experience in a commercial laboratory performing physical testing and HPLC/GC chemical analysis.
Experience troubleshooting HPLC and GC instrument issues.
Ability to accurately perform routine and nonroutine tasks with limited supervision.
Ability to recognize sources of error in analytical work and apply past experience to current situations.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Working knowledge of production and packaging and general knowledge of plant production/packaging QC sampling techniques.
Excellent knowledge of basic laboratory instruments used for physical testing and proficiency performing chemical analysis using HPLC and GC.
Ability to recognize analytical problems and use typical techniques to resolve them.
Ability to write new analytical procedures or update existing procedures.
Working knowledge of production areas and ability to perform special projects with minimal support.
Demonstrated leadership ability and skills to train lower-level positions.
Good physical, visual, and mental attention.
Knowledge of appropriate handling of RCRA hazardous waste generated by laboratory processes.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or another related science field, with laboratory work in general, analytical, and/or organic chemistry; suitable laboratory work experience may be substituted.
Knowledge of ICP operation and nutrient analysis.

Responsibilities

Complete physical testing and chemical analyses on samples, along with other assigned work, accurately and on time.
Perform routine and nonroutine quality-control testing and minimize repeat testing by completing analyses correctly.
Interpret analytical results for accuracy, credibility, and compliance with specifications; identify discrepancies and notify the Lab Leader or Supervisor.
Troubleshoot HPLC and GC instrumentation and investigate analytical problems, resolving complex equipment issues with minimal support when possible.
Recognize product-quality problems and assist operations in resolving or minimizing their impact.
Assist with developing or writing new analytical procedures and revising existing procedures.
Monitor supplies of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standards, and mobile phase solutions; report shortages and prepare internal standard and mobile phase solutions as needed.
Identify, categorize, isolate, remediate, and containerize RCRA hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulatory and company requirements.
Follow laboratory and company policies and maintain good working relationships with plant areas and management.
Assist with division and plant quality programs and perform special projects with minimal support.
Train lower-level laboratory technicians in laboratory procedures and techniques, including physical testing, HPLC/GC analysis, and troubleshooting.
Set up analytical instrumentation for a new campaign on an existing product line.
Complete senior-level laboratory technician certification within 12 months of promotion and recertify biennially.