QC Lab Technician 3rd Shift

The Jel Sert Company marks a major milestone this year, 100 years of success, innovation, and industry leadership. The Jel Sert Company has focused on creating high-quality, high-value foods and beverages that help bring people together. Jel Sert is proud to have been awarded the Great Place to Work certification and recognized as the Best Workplace to Work in Chicago and the Best Workplace to Work in Manufacturing and Production. We are currently seeking a passionate, dedicated individual to join our team as a QC LAB TECHNICIAN 3RD SHIFT. If you are looking for a work environment that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and a shared vision for creating incredible products that help create lasting memories, then Jel Sert wants you!

The QC Lab Technician has broad responsibility for laboratory testing, maintenance of lab equipment, data base maintenance and product disposition.This position requires employees to receive cross training in other QA functions in order to provide back up support as needed. This position may require the employee to work overtime as needed. Overtime is scheduled based upon individual job responsibilities and the needs of the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct product analysis; utilizes applicable test procedures to analyze raw materials, in-process product and finished goods for physical, analytical/chemical and organoleptic properties
• Responsible for recording test results, entering data into Company databases, and maintaining associated documentation
• Assess the material or product's conformance or non-conformance to specifications
• Responsible for releasing products or materials that conform to specifications
• Responsible for placing on hold products or materials that do not conform to specifications
• Expected to provide guidance when necessary and communicate with manufacturing staff as required
• Assist with investigation into the causes of non-conforming product
• Investigate customer complaints with guidance from Supervisor
• Perform internal audits
• Conformance to GMP guidelines and company policies/procedures
• Make suggestions to improve safety, food safety and quality
• Make suggestions on how to increase efficiency and cost savings within the department and actively participate in implementation of own or other's ideas
• Provide training to other employees as directed
• Other duties may be assigned

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Jel Sert Company is committed to pay transparency and will provide further compensation information during the interview process. The minimum compensation for the QC Lab Specialist is $23.59. For the 3rd shift opportunity, the shift differential to be paid for all time worked on 3rd shift is an additional $2.00 per hour. Compensation is determined by a candidate's experience, education, skills, training, and the internal equity within our organization. Actual compensation to be paid will be determined upon an offer. In addition to a competitive compensation package, regular full-time corporate employees of Jel Sert are eligible for our extensive benefits programs that can be reviewed here.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years quality control experience.
• Associate's degree in Chemistry, Biology related sciences desirable.
• Experience with organoleptic testing and operating/troubleshooting basic laboratory equipment (balances, pH meter, viscometer, burettes, centrifuge, refractometer) is a plus
• Experience following basic sample preparation and testing methods is a plus
• Knowledge of one or more of the following is desirable: basic chemistry, sensory analysis, GMP's, GLP's, laboratory safety guidelines, HACCP, SQF, FDA regulations for foods and beverages
• Must be able to complete a skills assessment test to assess basic skills needed in the position

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Good Computer skills (e-mail, internet use, basic skills in MS excel, MS word, and MS Power Point)
• Good written and oral communication skills in English are required. Written and oral skills in any other language are a plus
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Ability to work independently
• Proactive behavior (take initiatives/make suggestions/follow up with limited Supervision)
• Good analytical skills (observation, attention to detail, problem solving)
• Desire to learn, take on challenges and responsibilities. Flexibility to adapt to change
• Basic math skills: Arithmetic, percentages, ratios, measurements, prepare charts and graphs
• Ability to multitask, organize and prioritize tasks
• Good conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Identify and communicate unsafe conditions to Supervisor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee must be able to:
• Have full color perception, as the job involves organoleptic testing of products
• Distinguish between the 4 basic tastes: bitter, sour, sweet and salty
• Be capable of tasting and or consuming and working with alcoholic beverages
• Perceive/distinguish between different aromas
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Climb stairs on a regular basis
• Have hand/wrist dexterity to be able to type on a computer keyboard, maneuver products, tools and instruments
• Walk and/or stand for a minimum of 6 hours at a time
• Push/pull plastic carts with product weighing up to 115 lb.
• Bend and stretch arms, legs and body
• Work with allergens and in a dusty production environment
• Move within and between warehouse, production and office facilities

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/Laboratory/Manufacturing Facility environment

INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Production Supervisors Answer Questions-Provide Documents Daily

FOOD SAFETY and QUALITY RESPONSIBLITIES

Follow applicable procedures and work instructions, Responsible for monitoring and recording CCPs and monitoring QCP's (organoleptic testing).

Back up Assistant Supervisor, QC Lab

IMPACT ON JEL SERT

The job is essential to ensure all lab testing is completed and data analyzed, reviewed and filed in accordance with, customer, FDA, USDA and other regulatory requirements.