Job Description

Title: Laboratory Technician Quality Assurance II

Reports To: Supervisor, Quality Assurance

Overall Focus: Collects and prepares samples for both toxin and microbiological testing for the assessment of incoming ingredients, in process materials, finished goods, and plant risk assessment. Tests prepared materials using good laboratory practices.

FLSA Designation: Plant Hourly

Salary Grade: Quality Assurance II Level: T5

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Fully competent in sample collection and testing techniques for in-process checks from designated areas in the plant
* InProcess Sample Collection (extrusion samples, dryer samples, coating samples, cooler samples, packaging samples, etc.)
* Perform Chemical NIR analysis (Moisture, Fat, Protein, Ash, Fiber)
* WIP product for Mycotoxin testing
* Fully competent in pre-operational inspection techniques and activities
* Fully competent in microbiological collection and sampling techniques
* Environmental swabs Collection of daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly (in-process) environmental and pre-operational (C&M) swabs for plant health assessment
* Maintains proper documentation of all sample collection and testing
* Reviews all test results against process parameters and/or specifications
* Communicates discrepancies and deviations in tests results in a timely manner and takes action to resolve problems
* Maintains equipment calibrations
* Maintains a clean workspace in the laboratory environment
* Works on individual projects as assigned
* Ensures that Company Safety program is adhered to
* Adheres to all Standard Operating Procedures and job instructions
* Ensures all SOPs are being followed
* Informs QA Supervisor and/or QA Manager of any food safety problems
* Alerts QA Supervisor of need to update or modify SOPs based on needed changes to the processes
* Takes corrective action when measures are out of specification
* Takes and documents required process, quality measures
* Meets or exceeds established targets
* Works directly with SQF program
* Adheres to relevant Smucker Quality Policies, SOPs and Work Instructions for continuous improvement
* Adheres to all sanitation procedures
* Follows all GMPs
* Keeps process areas clean and neat
* Ensures all areas meet sanitation requirements
* Actively adheres to all Plant Safety Procedures
* Reports all unsafe actions and conditions
* Understands and demonstrations The J.M. Smucker Basic Beliefs and Our Commitment to Each Other
* Assumes responsibility for self-improvement
* Participates in the improvement/problem solving process
* Shows up to work on time
* Dresses appropriately
* Maintains good personal hygiene
* Takes breaks of appropriate length and frequency
* Reports food safety issues to supervision with the authority to initiate action
* Assumes responsibility for own personal development and continuous learning
* Keeps abreast on new technology, methods and regulations related to responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

(Knowledge and skills necessary to meet organizational objectives)

Education/Training: Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or other science-related field preferred. Experience may be substituted for degree.

Experience: Experience on a food plant quality team or in a laboratory setting preferred

JOB- RELATED COMPETENCIES

(Abilities required of this position)

* Time management skills develop and adhere to a schedule
* Trouble shooting skills
* Able to follow detailed instructions
* Able to work a flexible work schedule and be on call as assigned
* Willing to work weekends
* Know product formulas, product codes, ingredient codes
* Relevant laboratory experience in a cGMP environment and the ability to apply GMPs effectively
* Applicable knowledge of basic computer skills
* Strong documentation and organizational skills
* Demonstrates the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
* Must have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
* Must be detail-oriented
* Demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary team environment
* Complete understanding of quality control, quality assurance, and environmental/food micro techniques

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Necessary to perform essential functions of job with or without an accommodation)

* Climb ladders and bins
* Maneuver in tight spaces
* Move items of 55-80 lbs. in weight from one place to another
* Stack repetitiously 60 lbs. or less
* Able to differentiate between colors
* Able to work in extreme temperature conditions (very hot or very cold)

Ability to regularly function in a typical office environment and operate related equipment computer, copier, telephone, etc., as well as, low risk manufacturing environment able to observe and get around equipment, using PPE, if required.

Ability to occasionally travel by plane, car or other ground transportation, as needed.

* Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time