Lab Technicians (Summer Contract)

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the QA Manager, the Lab Technician is responsible for inspections and verification of finished and in process products and the accurate, timely completion of all related documentation necessary to ensure all quality standards are achieved and maintained for all floors, as assigned. This position functions as an integral member of the department and shares responsibility for establishing and maintaining a work environment that is committed to customer service. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in improvement, organization, and efficiency of the QC dept.  
• Sampling, inspecting, testing, releasing raw ingredients and finished products on the line including: 
  • On the line verification of production including but not limited to weight control checks, MD checks, label, coding, etc. 
  • Conduct analytical tests on finished and in process products. 
  • Prepare product sampling for outside testing 
• Accurate and timely completion of Quality related documentation. 
  • Daily records and check sheets.  
  • Records of test results and reporting of anomalies and exceptions. 
  • Preparation of weight sheets, labels (bottles/cases), production sheets.  
• Ongoing maintenance of laboratory including equipment cleaning and regular calibration. 
• Monitor production activities to ensure compliance with HACCP plans, CCP verification, and monitor results and adjust as required. 
• Ongoing inspection and documentation of sanitation activities on the line including: 
  • Verifying cleaning schedules and cleaning verifications by performing visual & swab inspections. 
  • Verifying cleanliness of food contact surfaces for products containing food allergens. 
  • CIP verification. 
• Monitor standards of cleanliness and general housekeeping according to established GMP standards. 
• Finished Product sample collection. 
  • Retention samples 
  • Microbiological 
  • Incubation 
• Understand what is involved in food safety and its consequences when in non-compliance. 
• Take appropriate actions to rectify non-compliance situations. 
• Prepare quality control reports for internal and external use 
• Daily check sheets verification. 
• Perform microbiological duties such as plating, swabbing, sterilizing and counting. 
• Provides hand on participation when required in daily quality analysis for ongoing production such as: in process evaluation, target/sample analysis – chemical and physical, samples collection, ensure labels, line check sheets and weight control for finished products are prepared, in process and on packaging CCP checks, testing incoming bulk ingredients, incubation & retained sample check, calibration of lab. Equipment. 
• Conduct internal GMP audits as required. 
• Train others as required. 
• Work with other plant team members to identify and implement continuous improvement solutions 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

• 1-2 years’ experience in food processing or related industry. 
• Relevant post-secondary educations/training. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Have an in-depth knowledge of lab tests and methodology used in the food industry. 
• Written & verbal communication skills. 
• The proven ability to make & sustain effective interpersonal relationships. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with MSOffice. 
• Ability to operate effectively in a customer focused, fast paced team environment.