Lab Technician III ($25.26- $28.41 per hour)

Headquartered in Cordova, TN, Stratas Foods is a 50/50 joint venture formed in October 2008 between ACH Food Companies and Archer Daniels Midland Company. Stratas Foods is built on the combined strengths and expertise of these two great parent companies, laid down over the course of over 200 years of combined experience. Stratas will continue to build on this foundation of excellence by providing value added, branded and custom formulated fats and oils solutions to the Food Service, Food Ingredient and Retail sectors. At Stratas Foods we are committed to being the most valued supplier of fats, oils, dressings, mayonnaise and salad dressings to the private label retail bottled oils market in the United States.

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy,IL; Englewood, NJ; Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA. Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.We arecommitted to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees. We strive to makeStratas Foodsa great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

($25.26 - $28.41 per hour)

Critical role in ensuring product quality, consistency and safety through rigorous testing and analysis. Working within a fast-paced production environment, supports quality assurance and control processes.

Responsibilities:

• Follow all safety, environmental rules and regulations applicable to position.
• Complete daily weight reports and other reports as required. Report information to management.
• Review daily paperwork and sign-off. Address non-conformances in a timely manner.
• Adhere to and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP requirements.
• Conduct physical and chemical testing of bulk materials, in-process samples, and finished products for approval. Includes sensory evaluation of finished products. Methods of testing includes titrations, refractometers, gas chromatography, and others.
• Perform quality control checks to ensure products meet company and regulatory standards.
• Perform pre-operational checks (visual inspection, etc.) and approve production lines for running.
• Enter all analysis into data base and keep proper documentation practices. Be able to keep files organized for positive release and accessibility. Assure accuracy of data entry and provide COAs as needed.
• Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure accurate testing.
• Communicate findings to the quality and production teams, including management.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the laboratory according to GLP's safety and hygiene protocols.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.
• Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives related to quality and lab process.
• Monitor and perform environmental testing (Sponge Sticks swabbing, water testing, etc.).
• Approve incoming raw and packaging material and verify COA's against manufacturer's specifications.
• Review and approve incoming labels against database upon receiving.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Quality Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Manager.
• Inspect returned goods and designate appropriate disposition.
• Assist in providing quality trainings to employee as needed on a monthly basis.
• Assist with the System Audits program and ensure compliance with all Food Safety Programs.
• Assist with customer audits and other third-party audits.
• Assist with traceability exercises.
• Additional duties as required by direct Supervisor/Manager.

Education:High School diploma or equivalent. Associate degree preferred.

Related Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality standards. HACCP, PCQI certifications strongly preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills:Proficient (or ability to become proficient) use of Word/Excel and various inventory systems. M3 experience strongly preferred.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, Gather and analyzes information skillfully
• Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, Pursues training and development opportunities, Shares expertise with others
• Initiative - Volunteers readily, Seeks increased responsibilities, Asks for and offers help when needed
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Applies feedback to improve performance

Physical:Must be able to walk and climb up and down stairs and ladders (portable, fixed). Ability to perform physical tasks requiring standing, bending, and walking for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Sensory: Must have the appropriate level of sensory acuity (visual, hearing, speaking, smell and touch) to be able to identify and react to normal, abnormal and alarm conditions (chemicals, temperature, etc.)

Mental/Reasoning:Must be able to logically and methodically work through and break down complex problems and processes to enable effective communication with all levels of the organization.

Benefits:Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form:https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy:https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance