Lab Technician II

Description:USAlton Quality Laboratory TechnicianYour role:As Quality Lab Technician you will be responsible to ensure effective product safety and quality systems are in place. You will be supporting the Quality Manager and Assistant Quality Manager to ensure all products placed on the market are fully compliant to customer, regulatory, and Ardent Mills requirements. The Quality Lab Technician will work as part of an engaged team to achieve this. The technician will also assure quality awareness, cost competitiveness, and engaged local quality organization. To succeed, you must be able to:• Deliver results in first-time situations by inspiring others and working to earn trust every day.• Serve others with understanding, respect, and care.• Operate with simplicity, clarity, and transparency.• Deal with and drive change.• Organize, prioritize, and own multiple tasks while meeting or exceeding deadlines.• Learn and apply new technology and share your knowledge with others.Above all you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability and integrity, in a safe, environmentally responsible, efficient manner.Your responsibilities:• 40% - Ensure compliance to Quality/Food Safety (Q/FS) regulations/policies - accountable to ensure Quality/Food Safety execution for the location; this includes training, compliance, and verification/auditing activities. Analyze and interpret policies, customer standards, and direct implementation of Q/FS policies at the location.• 30% - Calibrates and maintains accuracy of all testing equipment in the laboratory, elevator, and mill. Conducts instrument troubleshooting and repair. Interfaces regularly with the Ardent Mills Innovation Center. Running specialized tests to determine product consistency and performance: Farinograph, Mixograph, Amylograph, Bostwick, Falling #'s, SRC, etc. Analyzes data generated for trends and communicates findings. Jointly works with mill team to find solutions. Generates COA's as needed.• 20% - Support Function - Assists Quality Manager in conducting monthly Food Safety/Sanitation Audits and communicates findings, recommends corrective action, and works with mill team on implementation. Audits Quality Systems to ensure compliance, reports discrepancies to manager, and implements corrective actions. Involved in preparation and execution of customer and 3rd party audits. May involve training of others to meet either Food Safety or Quality Systems requirements when needed.• 10% - Customer Focus - Assist with customer audit programs and agreed 3rd party certification. Manage customer documentation, specifications, and ensure active customer support. Build relationships with local customers to uncover opportunities that strengthen ties between our companies.Essential skills and experience:• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, or related fields preferred.• Minimum of 5 years flour milling quality experience preferred.• Knowledge in development and implementation of the following programs preferred:o HACCPo Sanitationo Good Manufacturing Practiceso Statistical Process Controlo Pest Controlo Food Microbiology and Chemistryo FDA and USDA Regulatory requirements• Demonstrates effective communication skills - written and verbal.• Basic plant/manufacturing Knowledge - Demonstrates practical knowledge of manufacturing processes and operations.• Basic project management - Applies a structured, disciplined approach to planning, administering and completing projects successfully.• Basic scientific knowledge - Applies scientific knowledge, principles to identify and manage risks.• Basic knowledge of quality standards & quality tools - Applies knowledge of quality standards and tools to enhance food safety and quality.• Demonstrates effective ability to teach / coach others within and outside reporting relationships.• Ability to prioritize and work with a sense of urgency.• Very driven and looks/asks for additional tasks when duties are completed.• Can troubleshoot and help others troubleshoot.Good to have:• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Biological Sciences, or related fields.• Experience supervising a QA/QC team in a Food Manufacturing environment.• Very driven and looks/asks for additional tasks when duties are completed.• Grain science and market knowledge.• Experience in Continuous Improvement - Delivers processes that are aligned, effective, and optimizes resources.• Plant/Manufacturing Knowledge - Demonstrates practical knowledge of manufacturing processes and operations.• Project Management - Applies a structured approach to planning, administering and completing projects successfully.• PCQI certification.• Knowledge of Food Laws & Regulations - Stays up-to-date and ensures compliance with food laws and regulations.• Proficient in Microsoft Office; including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.• Effective commercial problem solving and decision-making skills.Physical requirements and working conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation):• No allergies to wheat or dust.• Ability to lift 50lbs.• Ability to work at elevated heights.Ardent Mills is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.