Laboratory Technician - Coverage

Purpose and Objective of Position

This position ensures the safety, quality and complaints of products manufactured and distributed by a fully integrated soybean processing facility. This role is expected to support and cover the lab technicians in performing accurate and timely lab analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and other samples as required. This role requires strong technical expertise to develop and improve analytical testing procedures, troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment issues, and assist in resolving process-related problems. This position plays a supporting role in training lab and operations staff and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in the lab.

Work Schedule
This role is anticipated to work 4 days per week on the 2nd shift schedule (1 PM – 1 AM) with the expectation to work atypical shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations:

• Demonstrate proficiency and willingness to perform all laboratory tasks required for Laboratory Technician – Crew Position.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the chemistry involved in all tests performed, including but not limited to chemical reaction, chemical compatibility, and working understanding of lab equipment.
• Perform routine laboratory tests of production and environmental samples to ensure the quality of final product and environmental discharge levels. 
• Oversee daily lab operation samples when crew technicians are unavailable.
• Oversee lab tasks related to routine swabbing, cleaning verification, sanitization verification, and environmental monitoring program for operational areas.
• Collect samples from operational areas as required (e.g., final tanks, microbiological samples, etc.).
• Collect and ship samples as needed (e.g., referee sample, customer requests, 3rd party testing, etc.).
• Conduct regular soybean and meal testing using wet chemistry methods (e.g., protein, moisture, fat, fiber).
• Able to do maintenance of analyzers and conduct troubleshooting for lab equipment, software issues, etc. following written guidelines and SOPs or as needed.
• Assist in development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for processes driven by the Laboratory Supervisor and for which laboratory staff are responsible.
• Assist in training laboratory staff and operations staff on laboratory analyses and procedures.
• Organize and oversee disposition of samples according to sample retention guidelines.
• Maintain and complete calibrations/verification on schedule for all laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and complete external testing on schedule for all samples.
• Coordinate and prepare shipments of samples to ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA or other governmental or company regulations and requirements.  
• Generate and verify Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and other reports as required (e.g., final tanks, transloads, 3rd party, commingles, data sheets, etc.).
• Conduct regular checks of laboratory methods and equipment to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed, and standards are met.
• Perform internal monthly/quarterly testing as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of current and new analytical methods to increase efficiency and efficacy of laboratory operations.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory supplies inventory to ensure efficient laboratory operations (e.g., chemical and consumable inventory checks, receiving materials/chemicals, organization of supplies).
• Assist in preparing chemicals/solutions as needed by the lab to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Manger. 

Process Control & Improvement:

• Enters laboratory test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports as required.
• Analyze production and certification samples and communicate results promptly to operations and management personnel.
• Report out of spec or out of trend results to management.
• Collect samples as required to maintain the environmental monitoring program.
• Perform ATP and allergen testing as required in operational areas to ensure cleanliness.
• Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories.
• Works in a safe manner and follow all safety standards and procedures.
• Ensure work area is kept clean and free from safety and environmental hazards.

Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs:

• Assist as needed in the investigation of any product quality issues.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Food Safety Management Systems, including FSSC 22000.
• Understand and adhere to BQ9000 Producer Requirements and NOPA Trading Rules.

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates, and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory work is in a typical climate-controlled laboratory environment. 
• Continuous 24/7 plant operation; this position typically works 12 hours/day, including weekends and holidays as scheduled. May include shift work and call-in availability on days off or other atypical hours/schedules.

• Daily visits to industrial operations areas for sample collection are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. as needed to support lab operations and sample handling.
• Must be able to be on feet for extended periods of time as required by laboratory and plant activities.

• Regular exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, odors and flammable liquids. 
• Exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise. 
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

• Safety sensitive position
• Is an active member of the facility SHE Program. 
• Comply with the laboratory safety program.
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules, and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and adheres to all applicable requirements. 
• Completes required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  
• Shares in responsibility of maintaining the lab in an orderly and safe manner. 
• Reports unsafe working conditions to Laboratory Operations Supervisor or Food Safety and Quality immediately.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Follows established laboratory procedures to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a laboratory to meet facility needs and production goals.
• Works independently on routine duties but consults with supervisor on any problems or unusual test results.
• Follows established testing methodologies to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Communicate testing results to necessary parties to ensure quality and meet production standards.
• Comply with governmental and company policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance.        

Evaluation and Performance Criteria

• Ability to deliver accurate and complete results within established deadlines.
• Consistently ensures precision and reliability in laboratory testing and reporting.
• Maintains professionalism, positive attitude, and effective communication in all interactions.
• Clearly communicates information across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting priorities.
• Works collaboratively, supports colleagues, and contributes to a positive and productive team environment.
• Response effectively to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs.
• Adheres to all SHE standards and laboratory protocols.

Successfully completes required training program and applies learned skills to daily responsibilities.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualifications: 

• High School Diploma
• Minimum 2 yrs. laboratory work experience in food and/or manufacturing.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or other science related fields.
• Experience within a related oilseed/ethanol/biofuels facility
• Training in or experience with continuous improvement programs (5S, 6 Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)
• Experience with standard laboratory testing equipment such as GC/HPLC, NIR, Karl-Fischer

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

• Broad knowledge of laboratory processes, procedures, and equipment
• Broad knowledge of quality assurance testing methods
• Broad knowledge of plant production processes, procedures, and equipment
• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to use statistical software.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy and prioritize workload.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Excel and Word) and advanced reporting and statistical software, (Labware LIMS, Minitab)
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Excellent attention to detail        

Preferred:

• Knowledge of manufacturing regulatory and safety requirements (e.g., OSHA, PSM, EPA, BATF, and NDEQ)
• Knowledge of Quality Systems (i.e. FSSC22000, BQ-9000, etc.)
• Knowledge of Quality Standard (ASTM, AOCS, ISO, USP, EN, FDA BAM)

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us