Laboratory Technician

BevCo; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

BevCo is seeking a Laboratory Technician to conduct microbiological and analytical testing on raw materials and finished beverages to ensure safety, quality and production standards.

The role requires a Grade 12 and a BSc in Microbiology or related field, plus 1 year of product testing and 1 year of laboratory experience. You will follow SOPs, document results, and support QA and production teams in achieving quality targets.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is the minimum educational requirement.
• BSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Food Technology preferred.
• At least 1 year product testing in FMCG and 1 year laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological and analytical testing on beverages and raw materials.
• Verify test results and communicate deviations to QA.
• Calibrate equipment and perform daily verifications.
• Maintain clean lab and dispose of waste safely.
• Record results and ensure compliance with SOPs.
• Assist in environmental testing of water and air by plating.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Root cause

Teamwork

Communication

Integrity

Adaptability

Safety

Education

BSc in Microbiology

BSc/Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech/Food Technology

Grade 12

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Operations

Responsible for laboratory testing and analysis of raw materials and finished products to support food safety, quality and production standards.

Job Purpose

To conduct microbiological and analytical tests on raw material and finished products manufactured ensuring results are communicated and corrected. To comply with the organisational as well as legal standards and procedures. To carry out any other relevant duties as required.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

Product & Raw Material Testing

• Conduct microbiological and analytical testing on the following products using approved testing methods as per SOP:
• Carbonated Soft Drink and Alcoholic beverages
• Incoming Raw Material and verification of consignment products.
• External verification tests by a SANAS Accredited Laboratory.
• Equipment Calibration and/or daily verification
• Conduct analytical tests in water as follows: pH., Brix, CO2, FSO2, Turbidity and Alcohol %, TSO2, etc.
• Organoleptic checks
• Packaging Quality Checks
• Seam Evaluation Quality Control checks
• Conducting microbiocidal testing of the final product, surfaces and the environment, etc.

Non-product environmental testing

• Conduct micro-testing on equipment, environment, water, and air by plating on Agar plates
• Conducting micro – testing on environmental swabs

Communication, reporting of results and deviations, and Investigation

• Communicate any deviations to the Team Leader and/or Quality Manager and assist in root cause analysis to identify the source of deviation / non-conformity..
• Ensure all reagents to be used are available and discard all waste generated during analysis
• Plans work accordingly and request reagents if not available or about to expire.
• Correct and safe packing of waste for disposal

Health, Safety, Quality and FSSC 22 000

• Visual inspection on plant and products.
• Ensure adherence to standards.
• Ensure that all work is done in a safe manner and all equipment used complies with Safety Standards.
• Support the companies Health and Safety as well as Quality programme to achieve the identified objectives and targets and fulfil the responsibilities assigned by management.
• Adhere to all Food Safey Standards and report on all issues with regards to the Food Safety Management System to the Food Safety Team.
• Ensure that the Critical Control Points (CCP 1) and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRP 2) are measured, monitored and verified at predetermined frequencies as per the SOP.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12.
• BSc in Microbiology, BSc/Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech/Food Technology qualification.
• 1 year product testing in FCMG.
• 1 year laboratory experience.

Key Qualities & Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in observing deviations and ensuring precise measurements to maintain product consistency.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and troubleshooting quality issues proactively.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset: Applies root-cause analysis to resolve defects, inspired by continuous improvement practices. Ability to investigate issues and implement solutions under pressure.
• Teamwork and Communication: Collaborates with production teams and communicates findings clearly to drive corrective actions, fostering a quality-focused culture.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholds ethical standards in testing and reporting, taking ownership of quality outcomes.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting, handling shift work and responding to realtime production challenges.
• Safety: Commitment to safety and quality, demonstrating integrity in upholding standards without compromise.

Additional duties

• When required, perform analysis on the purchased Raw materials in accordance with RMQC plan.
• Additional QC duties required as per business requirements