Quality Control Technician

Pro Farm is an agricultural technology company on a mission to improve the food we eat in a way that benefits the grower, the consumer, and the entire industry. Headquartered in Davis, California, with a global footprint spanning Michigan to Finland, we deliver field-proven, biological solutions for pest management and plant health. By bridging the gap between sustainability and profitability, Pro Farm helps modern growers optimize crop yields while protecting the planet.

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Summary:

We are currently looking for a Quality Control Technician to join our Quality Control group. This position will help scientists propagate plants from seeds, conduct insect and plant bioassays, maintain fungal cultures, test materials for QC release, and will generate test records that are accurate, concise, and complete. The QC Technician should possess basic knowledge of biology and be familiar with general lab equipment and practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Assist in the propagation of plants from seed, maintaining fungal cultures and setting up bioassays
• Conduct microbial, insect, and plant bioassays, evaluate and record results
• Set up, sterilize, clean, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment
• Prepare a variety of media types and laboratory reagents
• Perform raw material and finished product sampling, and testing assuring adequate, appropriate, and complete documentation
• Collect, input, and organize test data, and report results
• Assist in maintaining product retains and inventory
• Be aware of Quality Control and manufacturing policies, safety concerns, and environmental conditions that can affect product quality
• Comply with quality systems procedures, as applicable
• Support other lab functions as required

Other Duties

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures, and report all unsafe activities to appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge and skill.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: An Associate’s degree in a Biological discipline or two years of equivalent educational or work experience is required for this position.

Experience: This position shall preferably have previous hands-on lab experience, exposure to aseptic technique, prior experience working with insects in a regulated laboratory setting a plus.

Essential Physical and Mental Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• The Quality Control Technician must have manual dexterity and vision sufficient to handle and perceive attributes of very small insects.
• Must be able to function in working conditions that are adequately lighted, moderately heated or air-conditioned, and in an indoor office, laboratory, and production setting.
• In the course of daily activities, technicians will be required to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods of time, are frequently exposed to water, insects, air contamination such as disagreeable odors, and may be exposed to toxic or caustic substances which will require the use of applicable PPE such as safety glasses, lab coats, and respirators.

Mental Requirements:

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in workload priorities, ability to prioritize tasks, ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, regulations, and laboratory procedures. Possess the ability to write documents and report data. Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and peers.
• Able to calculate figures and amounts such as area, length, and volume. Able to calculate and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and statistical functions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Able to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism such as graphs, formulas, and scientific equations.
• Possess intermediate personal computer skills including electronic mail, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics.
• Must have good organizational and record keeping skills and be capable of handling and carrying out multiple tasks and projects simultaneously under stringent deadlines. Must be able to work effectively in a multi-project environment. Must be detail oriented.

Travel:

• No travel is required for this position.

Compensation:

• Pro Farm offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with employer match, and a health plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance coverage, long term disability and a flexible spending account for dependent care and/or medical expenses.
• The above is a list of the essential duties and responsibilities for this position. This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned. This job description may be modified as needed.
• Pro Farm is an…