QC Lab Technician

For nearly a century, The Jel Sert Company has focused on creating high-quality, high-value foods and beverages that help bring people together. Since 2022, Jel Sert has been certified as a Great Place to Work! We seek a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a QC Lab Technician. If you are looking for a Great Place to Work, with a work environment that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and a shared vision for creating incredible products that help create lasting memories, then Jel Sert wants you!

The Quality Control Lab Technician has broad responsibilities for laboratory testing, maintenance of lab equipment, database maintenance and product disposition.

This position requires employees to receive cross training in other QA functions in order to provide back-up support as needed. Additionally, one may be required to work overtime as needed. Overtime is scheduled based upon individual job responsibilities and the needs of the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct product analysis; utilizes applicable test procedures to analyze raw materials, in-process product and finished goods for physical, analytical/chemical and organoleptic properties
• Responsible for recording test results, entering data into Company databases, and maintaining associated documentation
• Assess the material or product's conformance or non-conformance to specifications
• Responsible for releasing products or materials that conform to specifications
• Responsible for placing on hold products or materials that do not conform to specifications
• Expected to provide guidance when necessary and communicate with manufacturing staff as required
• Assist with investigation into the causes of non-conforming product
• Investigate customer complaints with guidance from Supervisor
• Perform internal audits
• Conformance to GMP guidelines and company policies/procedures
• Make suggestions to improve safety, food safety and quality
• Make suggestions on how to increase efficiency and cost savings within the department and actively participate in implementation of own or other's ideas
• Provide training to other employees as directed
• Other duties may be assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years quality control experience.
• Associate's degree in Chemistry, Biology related sciences desirable.
• Experience with organoleptic testing and operating/troubleshooting basic laboratory equipment (balances, pH meter, viscometer, burettes, centrifuge, refractometer) is a plus
• Experience following basic sample preparation and testing methods is a plus
• Knowledge of one or more of the following is desirable: basic chemistry, sensory analysis, GMP's, GLP's, laboratory safety guidelines, HACCP, SQF, FDA regulations for foods and beverages
• Must be able to complete a skills assessment test to asses basic skills needed in the position

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Good Computer skills (e-mail, internet use, basic skills in MS excel, MS word, and MS Power Point)
• Good written and oral communication skills in English are required. Written and oral skills in any other language are a plus
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Ability to work independently
• Proactive behavior (take initiatives/make suggestions/follow up with limited Supervision)
• Good analytical skills (observation, attention to detail, problem solving)
• Desire to learn, take on challenges and responsibilities. Flexibility to adapt to change
• Basic math skills: Arithmetic, percentages, ratios, measurements, prepare charts and graphs
• Ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize tasks
• Good conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Identify and communicate unsafe conditions to Supervisor

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU - BENEFITS

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(K ) & ROTH Plan with Company Match
• Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Time Off plus Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program with comprehensive emotional, financial, physical, and social well-being programs.
• Continuous learning opportunities through various platforms and resources.

PERKS OF WORKING AT JEL SERT!

• Training and Career Development Opportunities
• Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts on our Delicious Products
• Health Club Member Reimbursement
• Interactive Company Culture with Engagement Activities
• Employee Service Awards
• Company Philanthropy
• Close to the Police Station, Metra Station and West Chicago Park District

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee must be able to:

• Be capable of tasting and or consuming and working with alcoholic beverages
• Have full color perception, as the job involves organoleptic testing of products
• Distinguish between the 4 basic tastes: bitter, sour, sweet and salty
• Smell: Perceive/distinguish between different aromas
• Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally form position to position.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive Motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on an as needed basis
• Ability to climb stairs in order to get to areas of the facility to perform job responsibilities.
• Pushing and pulling of carts, with product weighing up to 115lbs, on an as needed basis.
• Close visual acuity to perform activities: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, reading, visual inspection of materials, operating laboratory devices, etc.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/Laboratory/Manufacturing Facility environment

FOOD SAFETY and QUALITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow applicable procedures and work instructions, Responsible for monitoring and recording CCPs and monitoring QCP's (organoleptic testing).

Back up redundant-this position backs up by Sr. QC Lab Technician

IMPACT ON JEL SERT

The job is essential to ensure all lab testing is completed and data analyzed, reviewed and filed in accordance with, customer, FDA, USDA and other regulatory requirements.