Chemist II
Location:	San Antonio, Texas
Description
JOB SUMMARY The function of this job is to perform professional analytical and chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and environmentals. The position entails responsibility for application and evaluation of approved chemical techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing of food products/environmentals. The position has the authority to act as the laboratory Lead Chemist. This authority and its scope are based on the technical knowledge of the individual. The Lead Chemist will have frequent contact with laboratory customer base when needed as well as perform frequent review and interpretation of laboratory results. The position works with Laboratory Management, the Process Supervisor, and Technical Supervisor and in the daily functions associated with the laboratory. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Apply aseptic/chemical techniques in daily workload; coordinate sample collection, transport, and receiving Prepare media and reagents as needed for daily chemical testing Provide routine preventive maintenance by cleaning, sanitizing, and disposing trash daily; and equipment quality control Independently pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with Food Safety Net Services Methods Manual, Quality Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safety Manual, and approved laboratory procedures Accurately perform and read all chemistry test results and notify Laboratory Manager of deviations Supervise training of new and current laboratory personnel in laboratory procedures and protocols as assigned Responsible for managing priorities and schedules such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved, providing guidance, and supervision in the lab manager’s/director’s absence Coordinates daily work flow of section Manages data to assure tests are reported properly, filed, and sent out in a timely manner Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements; purchase supplies and monitor equipment maintenance, improving optimization by reviewing equipment, products, and processes Implement and monitor quality assurance Take incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls etc., and other laboratory quality control procedures including quality control documentation Maintain control charts Assure QC tasks are being done properly Investigate issues and follow up on corrective actions Maintain equipment files Helps prepare for audits Supervise and assist with special projects and tasks as assigned Assist with the development and implementation of laboratory services and responsiveness to customer needs, ensuring customer satisfaction while achieving desired business results of revenue and operating margins Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area Responsible for the completion of required training Travel is required and at the discretion of management PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS All employees hired directly into a technician level will have 90 calendar days from date of hire to be proficient in the noted areas. General: Proficient in all other duties (Safety, Quality/Equipment, Bio safety) Proficient knowledge of GMP/GLP, OSHA, FDA, USDA, Compendium, AOAC, and other method reference sources Main client contact for a lab area for all technical client communication Knowledge of the ISO/IEC 17025 Quality System and enforce the policies Lead investigations for CA’s and Root Cause Analysis and assist in resolution Minimum of 2 years leadership experience Ability to travel Advance problem-solving skills Ability to be master trainer delegate to department Able to fill in as supervisor when needed Can prioritize workload and assign workload appropriately Sets expectations for technicians regarding workload Resource for all of the technicians Proficiency in customer Service (how to route/handle routine inquires, when to escalate inquiries) Chemistry Lab: Maintaining equipment-taking action when equipment fails, notifying and getting it replaced Demonstrates complete understanding of supply requests, issue and reorder procedures Assists in managing workflow to help release reports on time Provide technical support when needed and managing shelf-life reports Ability to interpret written methods and explain/teach others Ability to analyze data and ensure accuracy Fills in for any position in the chemistry laboratory Ensuring the methods are being followed as written Demonstrate ability to lead when supervisor is out and if needed, organize the daily workload Proficient in all the methods Demonstrate ability to be the backup for the Supervisor Can perform technician audits to verify competency Knowledge of and completing CAR’s Full understanding of Tertiary review process of LIMS repots Knowledge of how to set up PT samples for the chemistry lab Helps supervisor with maintenance and approval of employee hours, scheduling Frequent client contact, technical advice and interpretation of results Demonstrate proficiency in all wet chemistry methods, analytical chemistry methods, and associated QC OTHER DUTIES Perform other duties as assigned Courier Duties (IF ASSIGNED): Will report to the Laboratory Supervisor or designee for assigned duties and conduct all responsibilities outlined in the Courier job description Specific duties will be assigned Branch Safety Officer Duties (IF ASSIGNED): Will report to the Corporate Safety Officer for assigned duties and conduct all responsibilities outlined in the corporate safety manual Specific duties will be assigned Biosafety Officer Duties (IF ASSIGNED): Be involved in the review and implementation of the Biosafety Plan Set an example to other employees by adhering to the Biosafety Plan Enforce the Biosafety Plan by correcting or reporting deviation from the Plan to laboratory management Master Trainer Duties (IF ASSIGNED): Will report to the Corporate Trainer for assigned duties and conduct all responsibilities outlined Specific duties will be assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May take the lead role with two or more employees in the department Carries out responsibilities in accordance with organization's policies and applicable laws Responsibilities may include interviewing, training, directing work, and appraising performance MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BS degree in Chemistry or related field Masters degree in Chemistry or related field preferred Two years of analytical laboratory experience Three or more years experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred Working knowledge of aseptic sampling technique, automated lab equipment, and acceptable methods and procedures Familiarity with GMP , OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, and Compendium methods and procedure Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory Or equivalent combination of education and experience KNOWDLGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following: Detail oriented and able to work both independently and in a group Supervision experience Ability to communicate effectively and respond orally or in writing to customers, employees, peers, or management Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables and apply knowledge of reactions, applications, and implications of tests Ability to use judgment in balancing procedures and responsiveness, and obtaining customer satisfaction and business results Integrity and ability to obtain consistent, accurate, valid, and timely results Analytical - Collects and researches data Design - Demonstrates attention to detail Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions Project Management - Coordinates projects Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit Visionary Leadership - Inspires respect and trust Delegation - Delegates work assignments Leadership - Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Accepts feedback from others Managing People - Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills Quality Management - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences Ethics - Treats people with respect; Works ethically and with integrity Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Works quickly Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Asks for and offers help when needed Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Generates suggestions for improving work Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English Ability to write routine reports and correspondence in English Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization in English Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of LIMS and Microsoft Office Products software Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations 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. Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use hands and arms, talk and hear Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds Color vision and depth perception WORK ENVIROMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens Noise level varies from quiet to loud Temperature varies from hot to cold Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks Safety: Required to wear appropriate protective clothing Required to use appropriate protective equipment Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area Apply Now

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