Vacation Relief Lab Technician

Saputo Inc.•Tulare, CA

8d•$32 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for reviewing the accuracy of all paperwork that is generated in the lab; will produce all quality related reports; will provide assistance to all laboratory technicians and other departments as required to aid in the production of quality products and the monitoring of process controls. Always adheres to all USDA, GMP, and safety regulations. Perform any and all analytical testing as needed (i.e. moisture, fat pH, total solids, titratable acidity, phosphates, salt, electrical conductivity, antibiotic, starter activity, etc. Cover vacations for all lab techs in the lab, including QA Co-coordinator and day off reliefs. Perform any and all bacteriological testing as required (i.e. total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, etc.) Perform organoleptic evaluation for milk and cheese products, including melt evaluation, shelf life evaluation etc. Must be able to set-up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate all pieces of laboratory equipment maintained in the laboratory and other departments. Perform environmental swabs as needed. Adheres to procedures to ensure accuracy of results Operate automated equipment for testing of milk, whey products, and cheese. Maintain professional manner when associating with Saputo personnel and others outside of the Tulare facility. Must follow all necessary safety precautions. Must be able to operate a personal computer and systems computer to input necessary data. Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner in accordance with the Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. Confidentiality Policy. Recognize and notify Q.A. Supervisor/Manager or appropriate supervisor of any unusual results or product defects. Perform the necessary rechecks for analytical and microbiological tests. Responsible for communication of results to proper individuals in a timely, confidential and professional manner. When not covering a vacation, being available to work any shifts depending on the needs of the department. Maintain the inventory of all lab supplies and maintain the work area in a neat and orderly fashion. Aid in training new laboratory personnel Respect physical demands of job listed in “Physical Demands” section below. Attendance at work is an essential job duty. Job requires regular attendance and work to be performed at the Tulare-Levin plant site. All other assigned duties

Requirements

More than average reasoning skills and ability to quickly understand quality systems at the plant.
Experience using analytical machines like FT-120, Food scan, chloridometer, CEM, pH meter required.
Proficiency with MS-Excel, Word, AS-400, Share point, Complaint system, and other computer systems.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to perform microbiological analysis of finished products and detailed understanding of swabbing, diluting, plating and reading microbial tests.
Ability to interpret a variety of technical information in mathematical and/or narrative form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
Previous experience with Maestro and positive release hold program required.
Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, with good time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Associates degree in Dairy Science, Food Science or a related field is a must.
Previous work experience in QA laboratory is a must.
Must be able to stoop, kneel, and squat for several minutes at a time.
Must be able to stand on feet for at least a two hour consecutive time period.
Must be able to lift up to forty five (45) pounds.
Must be able to climb stairs.
Must be able to work at high elevations.
Requires light typing.
Must be able to enter into confined spaces.
Ability to reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
Employee is required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Will help QA manager in degenerating reports and assuring all data in lab is kept up to date.

Responsibilities

Review the accuracy of all paperwork generated in the lab.
Produce all quality related reports.
Provide assistance to all laboratory technicians and other departments.
Perform analytical testing (moisture, fat pH, total solids, titratable acidity, phosphates, salt, electrical conductivity, antibiotic, starter activity, etc.).
Cover vacations for all lab techs, including QA Co-coordinator and day off reliefs.
Perform bacteriological testing (total plate count, yeast and mold, coliform, environmental monitoring, etc.).
Perform organoleptic evaluation for milk and cheese products, including melt evaluation, shelf life evaluation.
Set-up, operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate all laboratory equipment.
Perform environmental swabs.
Operate automated equipment for testing of milk, whey products, and cheese.
Maintain professional manner when associating with Saputo personnel and others.
Follow all necessary safety precautions.
Operate a personal computer and systems computer to input necessary data.
Maintain all results and reports in a confidential manner.
Recognize and notify Q.A. Supervisor/Manager or appropriate supervisor of any unusual results or product defects.
Perform necessary rechecks for analytical and microbiological tests.
Communicate results to proper individuals in a timely, confidential and professional manner.
Be available to work any shifts depending on the needs of the department when not covering a vacation.
Maintain the inventory of all lab supplies.
Maintain the work area in a neat and orderly fashion.
Aid in training new laboratory personnel.