Laboratory Technician

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Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Laboratory, safety and environmental responsibilities:

* Ensure a safe workplace and regulatory compliance with federal (MSHA, OSHA), state, local, and Company safety policies.
* Support Environmental Health and Safety initiatives and awareness programs.
* Actively participate in audits for regulatory, quality, safety and environmental compliance at the site.

Quality Control Testing / Production Support:

* Maintain quality assurance programs.
* Accurately sample and measure chemical and physical properties on all types of raw and finished products following established laboratory guidelines.
* Effectively document, interpret and communicate analysis to maintain product quality.
* Prepare charts and graphs of data and enter data into computer for analysis.
* Lead investigations on customer complaints to find root causes and document the findings.
* Report quality non-conformances.
* Conduct quality audits in the various departments to ensure consistently high quality of various products.
* Identify and lead quality improvement initiatives.
* Implement and sustain 5S in the laboratory.
* Effectively communicate quality findings with team members.
* Train and coach on quality matters as needed.
* Assist with tasks in other departments as needed.

Laboratory Management:

* Maintain chemical solutions, laboratory instruments and work environment in a clean and safe manner.
* Maintain laboratory supplies and related inventory.
* Support and lead the Laboratory Safety initiatives.
* Responsible for minor repairs on laboratory equipment, facilities and preventative maintenance.
* Communicate needed repairs and replacements of laboratory equipment.

Computer Knowledge

* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, database.
* Ability to create SOP's from specific laboratory tasks and newly installed equipment.

Safe Quality Food (SQF):

* Ensure a SQF workplace and in regulatory compliance with Federal FDA - Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, , Part 507)
* Support Environmental Health and Safety, as well as SQF initiatives and awareness programs.
* Be a leader and promoter of employee safety and SQF culture.
* Ensure employees have a clear understanding of expected safety and SQF performance and the required training.
* Ensure proper training programs are implemented for new employees and continued for existing employees.
* Actively participate in audits for regulatory, safety, SQF and environmental compliance at the site.

ATTRIBUTES:

* Interacts and behaves professionally, following Lhoist corporate core principles of Courage, Respect and Integrity.
* Demonstrated ability to closely follow testing protocols and quality procedures, and reporting results in a useful manner.
* Familiarity with Quality Management systems and understanding of its application to manufacturing processes.
* Excellent computer skills utilizing spreadsheets, databases and logistics software packages such MS Office, and SAP.
* Written and verbal communication skills in English.
* Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Numerical skills in order to report results.
* Self-motivated and must be able to work independently and completing repetitive tasks.
* Demonstrated skills entering, retrieving and manipulating data in a Quality Management System and Microsoft based computer system.
* Knowledgeable of manufacturing and mining processes in a related mineral industry is a plus.
* Organizational and detail skills are required.
* Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

* Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
* Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.
* Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
* Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a lime/mineral environment.
* The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Lime/Mineral Particles.
* The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
* Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

* High school diploma or GED equivalent.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

* Minimum of two (2) years quality or laboratory experience required.

Lhoist North America offers a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, and vacation. LNA also supports employee work-life balance with telecommuting and compressed workweek options for many positions.

Lhoist North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation