Job Description

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Job Summary:

Provide hands on laboratory and technical service support to the North American Continuous Improvement Department. Under light supervision perform project assignments which may require non-standard procedures working with laboratory and pilot equipment and instrumentation. Work under the direction of Staff Professionals to prepare experimental bench and pilot scale formulations, manufacture confectionery products and consumer samples, and operate machinery/equipment to conduct product, process and packaging testing in a lab, pilot, and manufacturing environment. Develop and evaluate procedures. Conduct data evaluation, prepare reports, and make recommendations to projects to meet objectives and timelines. Interact closely with the department scientists, engineers and outside departments such as Manufacturing Plants, Marketing, Quality and Regulatory Compliance and Research/Development to ensure fulfillment of department functions. Maintain safe, sanitary and efficient laboratory workspace.

Role Responsibilities:

Product and Process Lab Technician

Work in confectionery lab, pilot plant and manufacturing facilities to manufacture confectionery samples to GMP compliance for human consumption in support of product and process optimization projects. Operate lab and pilot plant equipment, machinery, and instrumentation as necessary to complete project assignments. Under minimal supervision, acquires and evaluates test data, writes reports and documents work as necessary. Responsible to ensure safe, sanitary, and efficient work environment in the laboratory to meet OSHA and GMP compliance. Responsible for all lab equipment and instrumentation maintenance and calibration. Procures lab consumable and non-consumable supplies. Maintains shared laboratory schedule and resolves scheduling conflicts.

Technical Coordinator / Administrative Support

Works with project leaders to enter and update formulas into Recipe Development. Manage Department inventory and lot tracking for all raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods. Coordinates shipment/receipt of finished goods, product samples, in-process and raw materials to/from Manufacturing Facilities, Warehouses, Technical Center, vendor Sites, or other locations. Provide general administrative support to the department by managing and monitoring procurement card activity/records, procuring office consumable and non-consumable materials. Regularly handles company confidential information.

Qualifications:

* High School Diploma, or Associates degree in technical field
* Minimum 5-7 years experience in a related field with HS Diploma or 2-3 years laboratory technician experience with Associates degree

Additional Knowledge/Skills Required:

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Basic problem solving and decision-making ability
* Proven time management skills; capable of managing multiple simultaneous priorities
* Interpersonal skills that allow effective interactions and working relationships with Professionals within the Technical Community, and Operators, Supervisors and Managers at a manufacturing plant
* Ability to work in a team environment and independently in a flexible work environment with changing priorities
* Ability to work independently, make recommendations and decisions of a limited nature on own initiative with highly confidential information.
* Working knowledge of GMP standards, Quality Assurance Principles and laboratory techniques
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook
* Ability to accommodate unusual and extended work hours as required for project completion
* Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
* Possess valid drivers license and reliable transportation
* Ability to travel up to 25%
* Attention to detail and follow-up.
* Analytical skills.
* Basic mathematical skills

Preferred Skills

* Demonstrated fundamental knowledge of Food Science and/or Food Engineering principles.
* Demonstrated knowledge of GMPs.
* Demonstrated knowledge of pilot and laboratory equipment.
* Demonstrated mechanical aptitude working with tools and equipment/machinery
* Hands on working knowledge of pilot and bench scale chocolate manufacture including mixing, refining, conching, and standardizing.
* Hands on working knowledge of bench and pilot scale chocolate tempering, moulding, and enrobing.

LI-NB1

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans