CAREERS

Position Reports To

Director of Quality Assurance and Food Safety

Positions Supervised

Gluten Lab Technicians

POSITION PURPOSE

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for implementing the quality assurance (QA/QC) program for the gluten plant to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while supporting the policies, goals, and objectives of the company.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Initiate and implement plant QA/QC program based on best practice in the gluten industry.
• Review and verify daily finished product inventory. Make changes as necessary.
• Participate in laboratory projects to determine important attributes for inbound and outbound products.
• Conduct laboratory testing following AACC and AOAC methods.
• Aid technicians with troubleshooting lab equipment.
• Collect Mill grab samples, A, and B sifter, and Wheat Starch (for Perten comparison).
• Review process Perten samples compared to lab results. Maintain Perten in-line and desktop analyzer calibrations. Make necessary adjustments.
• Send inbound wheat samples into the state twice a week. Make needed adjustment to scale house Perten.
• Coordinate with process crew to check ATP drain samples.
• Aseptically collect flour, and finished product and other samples, for outside lab micro testing.
• Responsible for collecting environmental monitoring samples.
• Monitor and review all lab documents.
• Order lab chemicals and supplies.
• Ship third party samples and customer requests.
• Help train new employees on lab procedures, proper sample collection, and the use of lab equipment.
• The Lab Supervisor is responsible for following the quality assurance (QA/QC) program for the wheat plant to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while supporting the policies, goals and objectives of the company.
• Light maintenance and repairs, as needed.
• Additional duties, as assigned.
• Follow the procedures of the Safe Work programs, including Confined Space, Hot Work and Lock-out Tag-out.
• Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.
• Understand and follow all SQF and FSMA policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college/university in a related scientific or technical field.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of experience in a QA/QC laboratory in a process industry required.
• Experience with implementing effective QA/QC programs.
• Experience with automated laboratory equipment (such as Protein Analyzer & NIR).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external customers.
• Manage multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to anticipate needs and accomplish necessary tasks.
• Strong motivational ability.
• Act with honesty and integrity.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

Time will be spent in a temperature-controlled, office-based environment at the laboratory within the plant. Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Able to view computer screen for lengths at a time. Some time will be spent in the plant. All types of chemical industry equipment are used in the plant to include, but not limited to, fermentation vessels, high-pressure jet cookers, agitators, mixers, milling equipment, distillation columns, centrifuges and distributive control systems. May be exposed to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and extreme hot and cold depending on weather conditions. Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy. Some additional activity may be required as needed.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: This job may require lifting of up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

• All candidates must have a high school education or equivalent.
• Pre-employment screening, including drug testing and criminal background checks.