Media Prep Lead Technician

Fall Creek®; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 25 000 - 45 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Media Prep Lead Technician to ensure timely preparation and delivery of laboratory media. This role involves overseeing a dedicated team, maintaining high-quality standards, and managing inventory in a fast-paced laboratory environment. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in chemistry or biological sciences, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing blueberry genetics and grower support, and contribute to a mission that prioritizes quality and efficiency in every aspect of production.

Qualifications

• Degree or advanced training in chemistry or biological sciences required.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Media Prep schedule and day-to-day activities.
• Train team members in media preparation protocols.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Chemistry or Biological Sciences

2+ years of related working experience

Tools

Excel

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Who is Fall Creek? – Please go check out our Website & You Tube Videos

We are a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have our own nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, and China. Additionally, we have built a dynamic team of global experts in various areas of expertise, including the finest breeders, researchers, propagators and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts and more. We’re a deeply planted link in a global chain, ready to serve our customers and our industry throughout North, Central, and South America, Greater Europe, and South Africa. Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence.

To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries.

To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified Media Prep Lead Technician. This position will be located in Paarl, South Africa.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for ensuring that Laboratory media and related supplies are prepared and delivered to all lab units on time, and as specified. Primary duties include oversight of the Media Prep schedule and day-to-day activities of the Media Prep Team, preparation of Media and stocks, administration of all aspects of supply inventory, maintenance of Media Prep facility equipment, and assistance with implementation and development of QC processes. The Media Prep Lead technician is responsible for performing and ensuring all work is done in a safe and efficient manner. This role requires high attention to detail, organization, ability to multitask, and to have clear communication with end-users, team members and service providers.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:

This position reports to the TC Lab Manager/Supervisor and works closely with other lab employees.

JOB SETTING:

Laboratory setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work with chemical products.

Position will perform repetitive work often requiring fine motor skills.

Must be able to lift 30 pounds(app. 15kg).

Must be able to climb up a step-ladder to put away supplies/media.

Comfortable operating around heat-generating equipment

Ability to work under aseptic conditions

Ability to work in a high-volume environment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

1. Organize, schedule and coordinate preparation of media orders and respective supplies.
2. Train Media Prep team members in proper use of equipment and media preparation protocols, ensuring media is of high quality, reliable and with no-minimal contamination levels.
3. Oversee day-to-day activities of Media Prep team members and ensure media and supplies are prepared adhering to set quality standards and delivered on time.
4. Prepare and dispense various sized batches and types of media from basic chemical components.
5. Distribute the media to storage areas and/or respective clients, and maintain organized.
6. Manage inventory, maintain, process, track, and order laboratory supplies (chemicals, consumables, glassware, etc) for all the lab.
7. Perform laboratory procedures following established protocols with a focus on quality data collection and documentation results.
8. Record accurate quality control information in equipment/media logs
9. Strive to ensure Media Production is kept within budget.
10. Ensure all media prep areas are organized and clean, including storage rooms.
11. Routine maintenance and QC procedures of Media Prep equipment including water treatment system, autoclaves, balances, pH probes, sterilizers and others. This may involve coordination with service providers.
12. Assist in the development and implementation of QC protocols to ensure all supplies and media are prepared according to expectations and standards.
13. Conduct QC procedures and maintain respective records up to date.
14. Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data in digital files or database. Use Excel to record and organize data.
15. Maintain the safety of the lab according to established safety procedures and standards.
16. Keep the TC Lab Manager/Supervisor in a timely manner.
17. Assure the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning Fall Creek Farm & Nursery.
18. Help maintain a culture of respect at Fall Creek Farm & Nursery (FCFN).
19. Others duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

1. Typically requires degree, advanced training or courses in chemistry and/or biological sciences, or 2+ years of related working experience.
2. Must be able to read, communicate and follow detailed instructions, directions, recipes and protocols in English.
3. Requires a high attention to detail and the ability to recognize and observe small deviations.
4. Requires the ability to be highly organized in handling materials, equipment and supplies.
5. Ability to collaborate with other team members, develop strong relationships, and maintain a positive attitude.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Ability to work in a clean environment with limited access to the outdoors.
8. Regular and reliable attendance at the primary place of business.
9. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
10. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work well with people from different ethnic backgrounds and with varying English language skills.
11. Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.
12. Must be self motivated and prepared to keep self and others busy.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working in a laboratory setting.
2. Knowledge of laboratory terminology and equipment.
3. Detail oriented and patient.
4. Ability to work with deadlines and within a team.
5. Enthusiasm for learning.

Position requires an executed confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement.