Senior Lab Technician - Night Shift

Land O'Lakes•Hampton, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position has above average analytical ability. Performs both routine and nonroutine quality control testing including the trouble shooting of instrumentation problems. The Senior Lab Technician will be responsible for completing physical testing and chemical analysis on samples as well as other assigned jobs on time and in a proper manner. Accuracy of work and ability to spot problem areas have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the quality control program. This position is the front-line trouble shooter in the lab, and proficiency in this area can have a pronounced effect on the continued effectiveness of the quality control program. The role requires the ability to interpret analytical results for accuracy, credibility, and compliance with specifications; recognize problems with results and begin investigation to resolve/correct errors (assistance from supervision may be required). Recognizes problems in product quality and assists operations to resolve (or minimize) the extent of the problem. This role requires minimal direct supervision by the Lab Supervisor, Lab Lead, or designated alternate. The Senior Lab Technician will be responsible for the proper identification, categorization, isolation, remediation, and containerizing of RCRA hazardous waste generated in the assigned process area in accordance with all appropriate regulatory and company regulatory requirements. They will monitor the supply of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standard, and mobile phase solutions currently being used to keep the lab prepared and notify the Lab Leader or Supervisor of supply shortages. They will also prepare internal standard and mobile phase solutions as needed due to shortage, new product analysis, or analysis issues. The Senior Lab Technician must notify the Lab Leader or Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems. They will maintain a good relationship with all areas of the plant and plant management and assist in Division and Plant quality programs as requested. The Senior Lab Technician must be able to be a complete self-starter, think for themselves, and pay great attention to detail. Must be fully certified on Senior Level Lab Technician procedures within 12 months of promotion and be recertified biennially. A Senior Lab Technician will not be considered for promotion if he/she is on probation for any reason.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or other related science field with lab work in general, analytical and/or organic chemistry is preferred - although suitable laboratory work experience may be substituted.
Minimum of four (4) years in a commercial laboratory performing physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis.
Experience troubleshooting HPLC & GC instrument issues.
Demonstrate ability to accurately perform routine and non-routine tasks with limited supervision.
Understand and recognize sources of error in analytical work.
Demonstrate the ability to relate past experiences with current situations.
Ability to assist in development and/or writing of new procedures and revising old procedures.
Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of production & packaging along with a general knowledge of plant production/packaging QC sampling techniques.
Excellent knowledge of basic lab instruments used for physical testing.
Proficient understanding and ability to perform chemical analysis using HPLC and GC.
General ability to troubleshoot problems related to HPLC & GC analysis instrumentation.
All skills and abilities of Mid-level Laboratory technician.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ICP operation and nutrient analysis (preferred)
B. S. Degree in Chemistry

Responsibilities

Performs both routine and nonroutine quality control testing.
Troubleshoots instrumentation problems.
Completes physical testing and chemical analysis on samples.
Accurately completes testing and analysis to minimize retests on the same sample.
Understands and follows lab and company policies.
Responsible for proper identification, categorization, isolation, remediation, and containerizing RCRA hazardous waste generated in the assigned process area in accordance with all appropriate regulatory and company regulatory requirements.
Monitors supply of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standard, and mobile phase solutions.
Prepares internal standard and mobile phase solutions as needed.
Notifies the Lab Leader or Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems.
Maintains a good relationship with all areas of the plant and plant management.
Assists in Division and Plant quality programs as requested.
Able to be a complete self-starter, think for themselves and pay great attention to detail.
Must be fully certified on Senior Level Lab Technician procedures within 12 months of promotion and be recertified biennially.
Interprets analytical results for accuracy, credibility, and compliance with specifications.
Recognizes problems with results and begins investigation to resolve/correct errors.
Recognizes problems in product quality and assists operations to resolve (or minimize) the extent of the problem.
May provide training to lower level lab technicians on lab procedures/techniques including general procedures, physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis and HPLC/GC troubleshooting.
Demonstrates experience of leadership ability.
Shows increased skills for training lower level positions beyond Mid-level Lab technician requirements.
Recognizes complex problems with lab analytical equipment and in most cases can resolve the problem without or with minimal support.
Recognizes analytical problems and knows typical techniques to resolve.
Able to write new analytical procedures or update existing procedures.
Has a good working knowledge of the production areas.
Able to perform special projects with minimal support from Lab Leader or Supervisor.
Able to set up analytical instrumentation for a new campaign on an existing product line.