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JOB
SUMMARY
The function of this job
is to perform professional analytical and microbiological testing of food
products, ingredients, and environmentals. The
position entails responsibility for application and evaluation of approved
microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing of
food products/environmentals. The position works
closely with the Lab Supervisor in the daily functions associated with the
laboratory. The scope of laboratory tests performed will be directed by the
proficiency level the technician has successfully demonstrated and
authorized to perform. This position is commonly referred to as a special
projects microbiologist due to the more technical nature of the scope of
work and involvement in special projects.
ESSENTIAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily
workload and prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms,
pathogens, and chemistries according to acceptable methods
· 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 test results and notify
Laboratory Manager of deviations
· Prepare media and reagents as needed for daily
microbiological testing
· Maintain a high degree of technical competence by
reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being
aware of food industry issues and trends
· Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials
needed for testing requirements
· Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily
cleaning, sanitizing, trash disposal, and equipment quality control
· Assist in quality control duties to by taking
incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media
controls etc., and other laboratory quality control procedures including
quality control documentation
· Assist with training and research assignments
· Maintain safe, efficient, and compliant lab
operations, to include equipment maintenance and purchasing supplies
· Assist with the coordination of sample collection,
transport, and receiving maintaining customer satisfaction while achieving
desired business results
· Assist with managing priorities and schedule such
that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged
participation in the Food Safety Net Services team
· 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 technologist level will have 90 calendar days from date of
hire to be proficient in the noted areas.
· Need to have competency in all duties listed in
previous tech levels
General:
· Can conduct training as required for Tech I and
II’s
· Frequent successful client contact
· Demonstrates a functional working knowledge of the
ISO 17025 Quality System and assist in the administration of the system
within the lab
· Proficient in all other duties (Safety,
Quality/Equipment, Bio safety)
· Minimum of 2 years customer service experience
· Ability to travel when necessary
· Ability to problem-solve and interpret written
methods
· Ability to make informed decisions on sample
disposition and reporting
· Working closely with lead or supervisor in decision
making
· Flexibility in scheduling and covering shifts
· Proficient in the opening and closing duties of
Path Lab
· Engaging leads, supervisors, and managers in
decision making
· Proficient in all areas of the lab (Log-In, Main,
Media, Path)
Pathogen Lab:
· Maintain Stock cultures
· Knowledge of all qualitative, quantitative testing,
and confirmations performed
· Resource for all technicians in Path and Main Lab
· Proficient in the approval process including second
approval
· Excellent aseptic technique and use of the
biological hood
· Understanding of client specs
· Ability to make decisions when the Tech IV, Lead,
or Supervisor is not available
· Proficient in prioritizing reports and meeting TAT
· Managing client expectations
· Ensuring all Path Lab duties are complete and the
end of the shift
· Ensuring daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation and
QC are complete
· Help resolve technical issues with machines,
calling a representative to troubleshoot
· Successful performance in proficiency testing for
all path lab analyses on A2LA Scope (<2 Z-Score)
· Training of new employees
· Versed in GMP/GLP, FDA, USDA, AOAC, and other
method reference sources
· Manage workload and ensure TAT is met by delegation
of work to self and others
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
· This job may have supervisory responsibilities
· 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 Life Science or
related field
· Masters
degree in Life Science 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
KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS, and ABILITIES
To
perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the
following:
· 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
ENVIRONMENT
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
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