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JOB
SUMMARY
The function of this job
is to assist in the analytical and microbiological testing of food
products, ingredients, and environmentals with
primary functions in media and reagent preparation, autoclave,
sterilization protocols, sample setting, sample log-in, and glassware
maintenance. The position entails responsibility for learning the
application and evaluation of approved microbiological techniques and
methodologies used in sample prep, sterilization and in the preparation of
media and reagents for the analytical testing of food products/environmentals. The position will work with the
laboratory staff and has the authority to provide assistance in the daily
maintenance of sample preparation, setting media, reagents, and glassware
as well as learning the skills necessary to assist in daily testing as
needed.
ESSENTIAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Prepare and set up samples for analysis
· Follow assigned series of processes, procedures or
techniques in accordance with the Food Safety Net Services Methods Manual,
Quality Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safety Manual, and approved
laboratory procedures
· 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
· Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic,
and efficient manner
· Share information in an open, timely manner,
maintaining customer satisfaction, and appropriate confidentiality
· Responsible for the safety of oneself and others
working within their 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
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
· 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
· Knowledge of courier procedures
· Separation of RTE and Raw
samples
· Working knowledge of LIMS
· Ability to answer customer phone
calls
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
SUPERVISORY
RESPONSIBILITIES
· This job has no supervisory responsibilities
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
· Training in general laboratory practices preferred
· One or more years experience
in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred
· Familiarity with aseptic sampling technique
· Familiarity with autoclaves and sterile dispensing
equipment
· Basic knowledge of concepts and practices of a
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
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
Computer Skills:
· To perform this job successfully, an individual
should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Products software
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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