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Laboratory Technician II
Food Safety Net Services - Phoenix, AZ
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, 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:
- Knowledge of all FSNS safety
protocols and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines
- Working knowledge of ISO 17025
Quality procedures in general and specifically in Log In, Media, Main
Lab and a general knowledge of Pathogen Lab
- Ability to travel is preferred
- Demonstrate a capacity as a
resource for all Tech I’s for questions
- Delegation and approval of work
for Tech I’s
- Demonstrate a working knowledge
of the supply request/issue process
- Works directly with lead or
supervisor
- Proficient in Long-In, Main,
Media and familiar with general Path Lab procedures
- Proficient in two other duties
(Safety, Quality/Equipment, Bio safety, Shelf Life Study, Baseline,
etc.)
Log-In:
- LIMS/LVX – logging in samples,
data entry, passing, 1 st approval
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
and LIMS system
- Minimum of 1 year customer
service experience
- Proficient in LIMS Data Entry,
sample log in and QC entry
Media:
- Proficient knowledge of media
and preparation, QC and LIMS entry
Main
Lab:
- Knowledge of current FDA, USDA,
and AOAC methods as they pertain to their primary duties
- Interpret written methods in
order to perform them
- Train Tech I’s to improve their
knowledge of methods and testing
- Proficiency in setting LCS and
guidance for Tech I’s
- Proficient in serial dilution
Pathogen
Lab (IF ASSIGNED):
- Demonstrate proficiency in
quantitative – counting, and reporting
- Demonstrate proficiency in some
qualitative testing – VIDAS, BAX, GDS, (may not know all if still working
in Main Lab)
- Proficiency in inoculating
controls
- Proficiency in counts and LCS
samples
- Proficiency in entering,
passing, and first approvals in LIMS
- Knowledge of a Bio-Safety level
2 laboratory and pathogens
- Confirmation of pathogen tests
(E coli, Sal, Lis)
- Proficient in verbal reporting
results to client base
- Established technical knowledge
base and understanding of the testing
- Demonstrate proper techniques
(pipetting, labeling samples, etc.)
- Successful performance in
proficiency testing for all Main Lab test setups on A2LA Scope (<2 Z
score)
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
- This job may have supervisory
responsibilities
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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