Lab Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Quality Assurance/Control Technician

Department: Quality Unit

Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager

Date: March 4th, 2024

Position Summary:

The purpose of this position is to monitor, review, examine, and conduct testing to ensure that all aspects of manufacturing at the Omega Protein, Inc. facility is performed in accordance to written policies and procedures; and is in compliance with all applicable Federal (NOAA, FDA, USDA), State, local, international, and third-party regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate and verify incoming material documentation for accuracy and completeness. This includes incoming material documents such as packing list, bill of lading, label, Certificate of Analysis, and MSDS.
• Inspect, and sample incoming raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products for testing and retention.
• Conduct physical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished Omega Protein, Inc. products in accordance with company policies, procedures, and programs and evaluate whether they meet the required material specifications.
• Physical sample testing may include appearance (microscopically and macroscopically), particle size analysis, pH, and moisture
• Perform identification testing using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIR) instrumentation.
• Coordinate the shipment of samples to external contract laboratories for testing and then receive and evaluate the results obtained to determine whether they meet the required material specifications.
• Provide customer sample requests.
• Maintain the sample management and chemical inventory systems.
• Monitor and review manufacturing operations.
• Examine batch production and packaging records for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with equipment qualification, calibration and maintenance program.
• Issue Certificates of Analysis for finished products.
• Actively participation in quality investigations, out of specification results, deviations, and complaints.
• Implement governed corrective and preventative actions.
• Assist with the creation and upkeep of MSDS, allergen, process flow and special requirement documents for all incoming raw materials and finished products.
• Provide assistance with Feed or Food safety and sanitation issues.
• Assist the Quality Control Manager, and Research and Development group with special projects.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Chemical Hygiene Plans.
• Execute all chemical use, material testing, and documentation thereof using Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP), respectively.
• Adhere to an HACCP program to limit microbial risks and the potential for cross-contamination.
• Strictly comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and any other applicable federal and international regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

The minimum education and background experience needed for this position are:

• High School Diploma with scientific coursework, BA/BS degree in technical or science related field preferred.
• 2 – 4 years’ experience in a laboratory setting, Quality Control laboratory preferred.
• 0 – 2 years’ experience in regulated environment (FDA, USDA, EPA).
• HACCP and/or PCQI Certifications desired, will provide training if needed.
• Experience in following written procedures, protocols, and manuals.
• Desired experience in Food or Dietary Supplement industry.
• Strong analytical abilities and documentation practices.
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer skills.
• Proficiency in English in both written and oral presentations.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision.

The physical needs of this position are:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities including deciphering color, adjusting focus, and ascertaining appearance nuances up close.
• Ability to be on your feet for a large part of your day.