Laboratory Technician

CPG Executive Search Inc.; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in food manufacturing supply chain located in the Niagara Region is seeking a quality assurance professional to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting testing of raw ingredients and finished products, calibrating laboratory equipment, and assisting in customer complaint investigations. Ideal applicants should have a background in food science or microbiology and at least 2 years of relevant experience. This position offers a collaborative working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in food manufacturing or similar industry.
• Ability to manage both office and lab work efficiently.
• Steel-toed shoes are required; lab coats and helmets provided.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily physical and chemical testing of raw ingredients and finished products.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instruments.
• Prepare daily lab samples of finished products for testing.
• Assist with investigations of customer complaints where testing is required.
• Conduct testing on raw incoming material and compare results with specifications.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy

Well organized with strong prioritization skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel & Word)

Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, food safety and allergens

Education

Post secondary education in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology or similar

Tools

Incubators

Pressure cooker

MDS system

Advanced & Plate Manager

Job description

The Company: Our client is a respected leader in the Food Manufacturing sector, supplying high-quality custom R&D and Product Development across multiple channels to the Food Manufacturing Sector. With Operations in the USA, Asia, Europe, and Canada, this is a dynamic, global, mid-sized entrepreneurial company, with headquarters in Mississauga Ontario.

The Opportunity: This is an incredible opportunity to bring your knowledge and experience to a growing and dynamic company. Reporting to the Plant Manager, the scope of this position is to ensure food safety standards (SQF) are followed during the production process, and that the raw ingredients and finished products meet specified quality standards.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily physical and chemical testing of raw ingredients, finished products and record results
• Testing daily Aerobic, E Coil/Coliform, Yeast, Mold, pH, Allergens, Monocygenes, Bac, P-a Listeria, Mono and Salmonella.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instruments
• Collect water samples as required for testing
• Prepare daily lab samples of finished products for 3rd party test submission
• Work with external lab for sample submission of raw ingredients, finished products, water, and environmental swabs when required
• Prepare Certification of Analysis (COA) as required
• Conduct testing on raw incoming material and comparing results against product product specifications sheet, COA and record findings
• Assist with investigation of customer complaint where testing is required
• Assist in developing with products and new testing equipment for improving processes

Ideal Qualifications & Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Equipment knowledge of incubators, PPRA, Pressure cooker, MDS system
• Ability to problem – solve and troubleshoot
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy
• Well organized, with strong time – management and prioritization skills
• Proficient in Advanced & Plate Manager
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel & Word)
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, food safety and allergens is an asset

Education and Experience:

• Post secondary education in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology or another relevant discipline preferred
• 2 + years' experience in food manufacturing or similar industry
• Combination of seated computer work in the office, standing or seated lab work, and standing/walking in manufacturing area
• Manufacturing plant is at an ambient temperature and maybe dusty at times
• Steel-toed shoes are required. Lab coats, helmets and hairnets will be provided
• Regular hours: 7AM to 4:00PM or 8:00AM to 5:00PM