The lab technician will perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical and/or chemical properties of various meat products.
Some of the lab technician duties include but are not limited to:
- Recording and compiling test results with the ability to prepare graphs, charts and reports for analysis by management team members.
- Conducting standardized tests on meat, additives, preservatives and environmental samples to ensure compliance with standards and regulations
- Test quality of materials or finished products
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by USDA and HACCP regulations
- Monitor and control temperature of samples received into the lab
- Compute fat, moisture, protein, salt and calcium content, percentages of ingredients, formulas or other product factors using equipment (FOSS), mathematical and chemical procedures
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning and/or sterilizing
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables
- Provide training to newly hired laboratory personnel
- Prepare and incubate Petri film plates with bacterial cultures
- Prepare microbiological, pathogenic, and chemical samples for testing and analysis
- Test quality of materials or finished products
- Mix and blend ingredients to make reagents and enrichment media
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing
- Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in the laboratory
- Examine chemical, microbiological and pathogenic samples to identify the presence of microbes and pathogens and any deviations from chemical limits
Qualifications:
Employee must be able to stay on task while working independently
Employee should also be a team player and work well with others
Must pay attention to detail/ be detail oriented
Must be familiar with and adhere to aseptic techniques
Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule as position requires occasional weekend work
Familiarity with technology such as computers and other lab equipment
Proficient in Microsoft Office application, specifically Excel and Word
Education and/or Experience:
A college degree or college experience is preferred in a related field of study in Sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, Med Lab Science, etc. OR experience equivalent in a directly related career position.
Applicants with a National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) are preferred. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate, contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Local Office.