QC Physical Lab Technician I - 2nd Shift at NOW Foods in Sparks, NV

Tests and inspects raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, stability, and other laboratory samples and conducts physical and organoleptic testing at the 391 and 395 facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Collects samples from the sample collection area.
• Receives and collects samples in the LIMS system.
• Performs physical testing on raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, prepackaged items, stability samples, REQ samples, and other laboratory samples.
• Performs organoleptic testing, including, but not limited to appearance, taste, and odor
• Records and compares results to specifications and performs secondary reviews.
• Initiates OOS investigations for any samples not meeting specifications or any samples that are atypical from historical trends. Performs retest and/or root cause analysis for any samples in OOS.
• · Operates equipment in all of the following pieces of lab equipment, including but not limited to: pH meter, FTIR, NIR, disintegration apparatus, moisture analyzer, automatic tablet tester (hardness, weight, length, thickness), Anton Paar modular unit (density meter, refractometer, polarimeter), Rudolph modular unit (density meter, refractometer, polarimeter), automatic titrator (acid value, Karl Fischer), Karl Fischer oven, powder density tester, sonic sifter, friability apparatus, density by pycnometer, water activity meter, melting point apparatus, viscometer, balance, loss on drying oven.
• Accurately enters laboratory test results into worksheets, Excel spreadsheets, LIMS, and Access database.
• Uploads testing documents to Epicor; enters Product code/Lot number/Stability number and REQ number accurately in the Epicor system; and performs final Review paperwork in the Epicor system.
• Requests samples through Smartsheet to perform the triplicate testing in OOS.
• Performs metal detector checks and temperature checks as needed.
• Promptly answers phone calls, emails, and two-way radio calls and follows up.
• Accurately maintains daily logs and equipment logbooks.
• Cleans, maintains, and calibrates laboratory equipment.
• Orders lab supplies and restocks PPE in the lab as needed.
• Safely moves hazardous waste from the Physical Lab to the Analytical safety waste room.
• Identifies and submits suggestions to improve safety, quality and efficiencies.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and laboratory practices and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to the supervisor immediately. Communicate concerns to a supervisor, report hazards, and provide input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates in safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent and 0-2 years laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with general laboratory equipment strongly preferred.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Proven ability to accurately conduct physical and organoleptic testing and inspect raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and other laboratory samples according to set standards and SOP’s. Ability to work on the Production floor as a MQ Inspector based on business needs. Reads, understands, and follows SOPs. Sound knowledge of testing and inspection processes. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety, and efficiency goals. Good problem-solving skills are required. Good time management skills; ability to work well independently; ability to prioritize, calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and strong sense of urgency and flexibility to change tasks frequently in a fast-paced environment. Strong teamwork skills: ability to work and communicate effectively with others; strong attention to detail skills; and demonstrated high quality of work. Demonstrates and promotes company core values. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures. Ability to work at both the 391 and 395 manufacturing facilities in Bloomingdale.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, batch records, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine e-mails to communicate within QC and with operations personnel. Ability to collect data for investigations for root cause analysis and troubleshooting processing issues. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing. Accurately and truthfully completes paperwork, including completing logbooks.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to compare results to specifications to determine if the result meets requirements. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions. Good problem-solving skills.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic computer skills required in Word, outlook email, and Excel.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours and weekends to support business needs.

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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently regularly required to talk and hear; stand and/or walk throughout the facility; ascend and/or descend stairs; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms. Employee is regularly required to enter information into a computer, handle products in various stages and forms (i.e. raw materials, in-process, and finished products in liquid, powdered, capsule, softgel, and tablet forms), and handle testing equipment, raw materials, and finished product, tools and/or controls. The employee frequently is required to use sense of taste, sight, and smell. Employee is occasionally required to reach, balance, or stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise, and/or place:

• · Lift 15 lbs. from ground level and place at 61 high-inch level; return to the original position.
• · Push up to 30 lb. force for up to 25 feet and then pull to the original position.
• · Carry 20 lbs. for 3 feet at waist level; lift bag/box onto the side and return to the original position.

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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts.

The employee is frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles, some classified as allergens or irritants.

Frequently exposed to all of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat and Soybeans, except for peanuts.

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

The employee may occasionally be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals such as acids, bases, and solvents.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.