OVERALL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF POSITION
With minimal supervision this position performs daily laboratory tests of production samples to ensure the quality of the final product, and possesses adequate knowledge and skills to trouble shoot and problem solve more complex lab equipment problems.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Laboratory Operations:
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| - Assists in the daily testing of production samples to ensure the |
| quality of the final product. |
| - Able to operate all lab equipment to perform all routine and |
| non-routine analyses on raw materials, products, and Work in |
| Progress (WIP). |
| - Able to verify and calibrate all lab equipment |
| - Understands repeatability and margin of error, and maintains margin |
| of error on each machine. |
| - Understands Official Methods in Reference Standards (ASTM, EN, AOCS) |
| used in testing. |
| - Understands and follows NOPA Guideline for shipping and sampling |
| soybean meal |
| - Generates Certificates of Analysis or other reports as required. |
| - Able to produce basic charts and graphs in Minitab |
| - Enters laboratory test data into Laboratory Information Management |
| System (LIMS) and generates reports as appropriate. |
| - Maintains completed 5S areas and evaluates improvements |
| and modifications. |
| |
| Process Control & Improvement: |
| |
| - Analyzes production and certification samples and reports results to |
| the Operations personnel in a timely manner. |
| |
| Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs: |
| |
| - Understands and complies with GMPs, Food Safety management systems |
| (including FSSC 22000) requirements and is trained as an internal |
| Food Safety Auditor |
| - Understand BQ9000 Producer Requirements and is trained as an |
| internal BQ9000 Auditor |
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COMPANY CONFORMANCE STATEMENTS
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
- Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
- Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.
Required Skills
Basic qualifications:
- Strong analytical skills
- Broad knowledge of laboratory processes, procedures and equipment
- Ability to learn and follow testing procedures
- Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload
- Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word)
- Strong mathematical skills
- Ability to work in a safe manner and follow all safety standards and procedures
EQUIPMENT USED
- Standard laboratory equipment and machinery (e.g., FTIR, GC, ICP, Karl Fisher).
- Typical office equipment: PC, telephone.
- Personal protective equipment as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Laboratory work is in a typical climate-controlled laboratory environment.
- Continuous 24/7 plant operation; this position works 12 hours/day. May include shift work and call-in availability on days off or other atypical hours/schedules
- Daily visits to industrial operations areas for sample collection are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.
- Regular exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, odors and flammable liquids.
- Occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise.
- Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.
SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Is an active member of the facility SHE Program.
- Complies with the laboratory safety program
- Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and adheres to all applicable requirements.
- Completes required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.
- Shares in responsibility of maintaining the lab in and orderly and safe manner.
- Reports unsafe working conditions to Laboratory Manager as soon as practicable.
EMPLOYEE SUPERVISION
- No direct supervisory responsibilities.
DECISION MAKING/ACCOUNTABILITY
- Works in a safe and efficient manner in the chemical laboratory testing product. Accurately performs tests and records results. Works independently on routine duties, but consults with supervisor on any problems or unusual test results.
Required Experience
Basic qualification:
- Three to five years’ experience in laboratory or quality testing environment
- Broad knowledge of laboratory processes, procedures and equipment
- Broad knowledge of quality assurance testing methods
- Broad knowledge of plant production processes, procedures and equipment
- Strong mathematical skills and the ability to use statistical software.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload.
Preferred qualification:
- If Bachelor's degree is an area other than science, then must have 2 years’ experience in laboratory setting as a technician or manager.
- Experience within a related oilseed/ethanol/biofuels facility
- Training in or experience with continuous improvement programs (i.e.; 6 Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)
- Experience with standard laboratory testing equipment
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES
Basic qualifications:
- Laboratory, chemical, or quality certifications
Preferred qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in science or food processing field
Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status.