Senior Lab Technician

Land O'Lakes•Hampton, IA

3d•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 is 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. Since this position is the front-line trouble shooter in the lab, proficiency in this area can have a pronounced effect on the continued effectiveness of the quality control program. This position works primarily in the laboratory areas and requires good physical, visual and mental attention. On occasion, special safety equipment may be required for entry into a hazardous manufacturing area. The role requires a high level of knowledge in appropriate ways of handling RCRA hazardous wastes generated by the lab processes in accordance with all appropriate regulatory requirements. The technician must also monitor the supply of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standard and mobile phase solutions, prepare solutions as needed, and notify the Lab Leader or Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems. Maintaining a good relationship with all areas of the plant and plant management is essential. The technician will assist in Division and Plant quality programs as requested and must 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.
Demonstrated experience of leadership ability.
Show increased skills for training lower level positions beyond Mid-level Lab technician requirements.
Recognize complex problems with lab analytical equipment and in most cases can resolve the problem without or with minimal support.
Recognize analytical problems and know 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.

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.
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.
Completes physical testing and chemical analysis on samples as well as other assigned jobs on time in a proper manner.
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 and in accordance with all appropriate regulatory and company regulatory requirements.
Monitors supply of standardization reagents, AI standards, internal standard and mobile phase solutions currently being used to keep the lab prepared and notifies the Lab Leader or Supervisor of supply shortages.
Prepares internal standard and mobile phase solutions as needed due to shortage, new product analysis or analysis issues.
Notifies the Lab Leader or Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems.
Maintains 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.
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.
Able to set up analytical instrumentation for a new campaign on an existing product line.