Lab Technician

South-Dakota-Soybean-Processors-1; Volga Township (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Soybean Processors is seeking a Lab Technician to manage sampling and testing of sunflowers, soybeans, meal, hulls, pellets, oil and by-products, reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager.

You will calibrate and troubleshoot lab equipment, follow SOPs, interpret results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant operations on each shift.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures and regulatory standards.
• Ability to calibrate and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Strong data interpretation and reporting skills.
• Commitment to safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory sampling and testing of sunflowers, soybeans, meal, hulls, pellets, oil and by-products.
• Calibrate, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (KF, NIR, ICP, OSI, Eco Titrators).
• Understand and implement QA/QC procedures and policies; follow SOPs.
• Interpret test results, compare to specifications, and assess data quality for release.
• Review data from 3rd party laboratories for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain a safe, clean work environment.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Equipment calibration

QA/QC procedures

Data interpretation

Safety compliance

Tools

KF

NIR

ICP

OSI

Eco Titrators

Job description

Description

The Lab Technician is responsible for accurately handling, documenting, and testing grains, meal, hulls, pellets, oils, biproducts, and process samples. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, this role works independently to support safe, efficient laboratory operations throughout each shift.

Safety

• Keep safety at the forefront through compliance, training, identifying potential hazards, reporting incidents, knowing emergency response procedures, and actively participating in safety initiatives.
• Maintain all work areas in accordance with SQF compliance and safety policy and procedures, including maintaining the Master Sanitation Schedule to SDSP standards.
• Work with the safety department and SQF management to comply with employee, product safety, and environmental compliance program standards.
• Maintain standards above minimum compliance with all governing laws and regulations.

People

• Understand and comply with facility policies and procedures to ensure all objectives are achieved.
• Professionally interact and clearly communicate with all facility team members and departments.
• Engage as a team member, actively completing daily tasks and additional duties.
• Develop strong relationships with all internal departments.

Production

• Responsible for laboratory sampling and testing of sunflowers, soybeans, meal, hulls, pellets, oil, oil by-products, water, and any additional processing streams.
• Calibrate, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot all laboratory equipment, including but not limited to KF, NIR, ICP, OSI, Eco Titrators
• Understand QA/QC procedures and policies. Implement and provide support as necessary.
• Utilize Standard Operating Procedures to execute laboratory testing and reporting.
• Interpret test results, compare results to established specifications, utilize control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
• Review data from 3rd party laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Work alongside other team members to preserve a safe and clean work environment.

Communicate and Collaborate

• Notify leadership of any observed safety, environmental, quality, or laboratory opportunities.
• Communication of laboratory results to a cross-functional team.
• Perform duties outside normal responsibilities as needed to support the team and organizational goals.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

Must Possess the Ability to Do the Following Frequently:

• Bend, Squat, & Kneel
• Stand & Walk
• Push/Pull & Carry/Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Use fine finger movements
• Climb Ladders and Stairs
• Reach Above Shoulder Level

Working Conditions

• Work on & around high structures
• Exposed to dust fumes & gases
• Exposed to temperature changes
• Work in confined space
• Exposed to dust
• Exposed to excessive noise
• Works around moving machinery
• Drives motorized equipment
• occasionally exposed to fumes
• Indoor and outdoor work