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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
with the Laboratory Supervisor, and other laboratory technicians 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.
ESSENTIAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily
workload
· 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
· Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic,
and efficient manner
· Maintain a high degree of technical competence by
reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being
aware of food industry issues and trends
· Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials
needed for testing requirements
· Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily
cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal; and equipment quality control
· Assist in quality control monitoring by taking
incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media
controls etc., and other laboratory quality control procedures
· Prepare and analyze samples for indicator
organisms, pathogens, and chemistries according to acceptable methods
· Maintain laboratory condition, to include
equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records
throughout all procedures
· Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and
chemical solutions, utilizing proper labeling, handling, storage, use, and
disposal of solutions, including autoclaved and hazardous waste
· Share information in an open, timely manner and
encourage others to do the same, maintaining customer satisfaction and
appropriate confidentiality
· Responsible for the safety of oneself and others
working within their cognitive area
· Responsible for the completion of required training
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:
· Ability to multitask/quickly
move from one task to the next
· Ability to repeat tasks with
accuracy
· General knowledge of all FSNS
safety protocols and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines (Established
by completion of Initial Safety Orientation Checklist)
· Working knowledge of ISO 17025
Quality procedures general to their primary job/area of responsibility
· Ability to perform laboratory
opening and closing procedures
Media:
· Demonstrate proper operation of
sterilizer equipment (large autoclave and Market Forge)
· Demonstrate proper media
preparation and sterilization per FSNS procedures
· Demonstrate working knowledge of
LIMS functions around media preparation/QC and autoclave run entry
· Media QC Inoculation and reading
plates/tubes/broth for sterility and productivity
Main
Lab:
· Demonstrate performance of
serial dilutions and media used
· Demonstrate knowledge of methods
and how to set the samples for different clients
· Demonstrate proficiency in
setting LCS testing
· Demonstration of good aseptic
technique and representative sampling
· Demonstrate proper use of
pipettes
· Demonstrate knowledge of retain
and disposal process
· Demonstrate an understanding of
decontamination of the work area between reports
Log-In:
· Logging in and workflow approval
of samples in LIMS
· Receiving samples, proper
temperature range and handling
· Knowledge of courier procedures
· Separation of RTE and Raw
samples
· Working knowledge of LIMS
· Ability to answer and route
customer phone calls
· Completed report and QC paperwork
filing
Pathogen
Lab (IF ASSIGNED):
· Demonstrate proficiency in
quantitative-counting, and reporting
· Demonstrate proficiency in some
qualitative rapid testing – VIDAS, BAX, GDS, Lateral Flow
· Proficiency in entering and
passing in LIMS
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
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 training, directing
work activities and monitoring performance.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
· Associate degree in Life Science or related field with
two or more years of laboratory experience or; BS degree in Life Science,
or related field
· 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
· Problem
Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully
· Technical
Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills
· Customer
Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to
requests for service and assistance
· Interpersonal
Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others
without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control
· Oral
Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive
or negative situations
· Written
Communication - Edits work for spelling and grammar
· Teamwork
- Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team
spirit; Puts success of team above own interests
· Ethics
- Treats people with respect; Works with integrity and ethicality; Upholds
organizational values
· Organizational
Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports
organization's goals and values
· Judgment
- Exhibits sound and accurate judgment
· Motivation
- Sets and achieves challenging goals
· Planning/Organizing
- Uses time efficiently
· Professionalism
- Approaches others in a tactful manner
· Quantity
- Meets productivity standards; Works quickly
· Safety
and Security - Observes safety and security procedures;
Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials
properly
· Attendance/Punctuality
- Is consistently at work and on time
· Dependability
- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes
responsibility for own actions
· Initiative
- Seeks increased responsibilities; Asks for and offers
help when needed
· Innovation
- Generates suggestions for improving work
Language
Skills:
· Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions,
short correspondence, and memos in English
· Ability to write simple correspondence in English
· Ability to effectively present information in
one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other
employees of the organization in English
Mathematical
Skills:
· Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in
all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
· Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to
draw and interpret bar graphs
Computer Skills:
· To perform this job successfully, an individual
should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Products software
Reasoning
Ability:
· Ability to apply common sense understanding to
carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
· Ability to deal with problems involving a few
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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