QA Lab Technician VV

Job Title: QA Lab Technician

Department: 111 – QA

Reports to: QA Supervisor

Location: Vacaville

Revised: January 3, 2025

If applicable

Number of Direct reports: 0

Budget Dollars: 0

Summary:

Performs laboratory tests to ensure water control systems and food products meet specifications. Compile, monitor and analyze data for special projects as needed. Prepare analytical reports for internal and external contacts. Responsible for the effective utilization of all Quality Assurance Department resources and for participating in management teams to provide information or direction on special projects. The following is a general list of the essential duties & responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed to assist within the department or in other departments. Duties are not limited to the following:

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science discipline or 3 years experience in lab setting.
• Knowledge of GLPs, GMPs, and Food Safety practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and focus under stressful situations.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to follow instructions and strictly follow procedures.
• Good documentation and reporting skills
• Experience using and troubleshooting lab equipment such as refractometers, spectrophotometers, GC, vacuum ovens, incubators, and moisture meters.
• Effectively communicate (read, write, speak) in English.
• Effectively use a personal computer/tablet and associated applications.
• Weekend, night shift & overtime may be necessary as workload demands.

Accountability # 1 – Quality Assurance – (80%):

• Ensures equipment is maintained for optimum performance.
• Collect samples, perform laboratory analyses to support regulatory programs for water treatment, drinking water and storm water systems.
• Analyze & troubleshoot using test results sop’s using data justify improvement strategies.
• Ensure proper operation of Auto-chlorination system through testing.
• Perform analyses for food products, document results on control charts and computer.

• Responsible for cross-training backup for monitoring & maintaining compliance of Water Control Systems.
• Participates in Co-Lab Studies on all test equipment to ensure consistent performance.
• Performs tests on all equipment on a routine basis to ensure familiarity with testing protocols.

• Perform environmental monitoring sampling including pre-op testing and analysis.
• Reports chemical and supplies inventory in the lab to supervisor on a weekly basis.

• Responsible for assuring all testing performed is within acceptable levels of tolerance compared to standard.
  • Sulfur Dioxide and Potassium Sorbate analysis.
  • Moisture Analysis: DFA meter, vacuum oven, water activity, and other methods.
  • Percent sugar determination, brix.
  • Particle size determination.
  • Percent oil determination.
  • Operation of gas chromatography, and NIR.
  • Microbiological testing - agar media preparation, plating, counts, and general working knowledge of microbiology.
  • Viscosity
  • Texture analysis
  • Wastewater testing
  • Acid
  • Off Grade and Quality Characteristics
• Responsible for organizing/submitting outside lab testing of microbiological samples and other tests as required by customers.
• Monitors documentation of daily lab results on control charts and in computer.
• Organize production retain samples.
• Supports R&D, and operations testing requirements as needed.
• Paperwork and data associated with laboratory work must be accurately completed on a daily basis.
• Responsible for performing calibration verification according to schedule.

Accountability # 2 – Communications – (15%):

• Informs Supervisor and appropriate production department of known or anticipated problems and recommends corrective action.
• Ensures clear and timely communication to maximize quality, productivity and minimize down time.
• Present technical information or procedures to QA team and play active role on quality management teams.
• Effectively use MS Word, Excel, Outlook, ERP/WMS Systems, and RedZone.

Accountability # 3 – Personal Growth – (5%):

• Exercises tact and discretion in interpersonal contacts
• Respects confidentiality of privileged information
• Supports the Company Values
• Demonstrates commitment to continued personal and professional growth and development.

Accountability # 4 – Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee is constantly required to stand and walk. The employee will occasionally lift and /or move 10 to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.