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Laboratory Technologist III
Food Safety Net Services - Covington, GA
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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