LAB TECHNICIAN

Job Details: Job Location: LifeLine Foods - St Joseph, MO, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: QA - Quality Control, PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: This position will be responsible for the performing the daily functions of the Quality Assurance Laboratory including all laboratory testing, evaluation and analysis of results, process quality checks and inspections. Responsible for documentation and communication of laboratory findings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform daily evaluation and approval of finished products, process quality checks, basic microbiological testing. Responsible for equipment calibration, troubleshooting and calculation of dilutions. Conducts ingredient inspections, packaging inspections, inventory control and maintains sample archives. Conducts laboratory tests including solvent extraction, sieving, pH, protein, fiber, fat, ash, microbiological plating, and all raw ingredients and finished packaged product testing. Responsible for recording of test results and communication with operating departments and management on test results. Performs in process quality checks and collects test samples as needed. Ability to troubleshoot equipment and perform mechanical maintenance. Ability to perform all tasks with little to no supervision. Responsible for general clean-up of the laboratory work areas to ensure a clean, safe work environment. Lifeline Foods’ philosophy is to maintain a flexible, cooperative and collaborating work environment. In that regard, this position will be expected to perform duties outside the key responsibilities. Maintains and adheres to the LifeLine Foods Code of Team Behavior. Responsible for food safety and quality. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is a combination of lab and manufacturing, including non-climate controlled areas. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles (including dust), risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.
Qualifications: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biology or food science preferred, or three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to ready and interpret documents in the English language such as sales contracts and procedure manuals. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and all standard programs used by the industry and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available. Technology proficient to include use of computers and two-way radio communications. Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion. Ability to effectively and clearly communicate with others both internally and outside of the Company. Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English is required. Ability to communicate fluently and write effectively in both English and Spanish is preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Regularly required to walk and move about the facility and remain on feet for extended periods of time. Required to use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces and wear all safety equipment.