Lab Assistant- Nights; D Crew

Lab Assistant
- Nights (D Crew)

Winchester, VA

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more.

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat and more.

Job Summary:

Basic knowledge of lab set up in order to pull and properly handle samples for chemical, microbiological, retains and shelf life analysis of all dairy and non-dairy products. This position is required to be knowledgeable in basic lab quality control skills and be able to identify quality issues on the lines and report to proper personnel. This is an entry-level position into the lab to train individuals on testing protocols and importance of accurate data collection as it pertains to quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility is to pull all required samples in the established time periods allowing laboratory to be able to identify product issues as they are running on the line.
• Verifies that product meets the required specifications on the line, such as codes, packaging, absence of leakers, etc. and that operator, coordinators and laboratory resources as well as senior techs are aware of any deviations when they are noted. Understands the importance of this notification process and how it affects profitability of the plant when out-of-spec product is ran.
• Run and interpret the results on the following tests: vacuum checks; temperature; appearance; weights; code date verifications; packaging checks; seal check verification; pH or T.A.; coffee testing; shelf life verification; pulling retains for customer complaints; flavor; odor; peroxide checks on Evergreen packaging;
  Oxonia tests on Serac for POAA levels; spin tests; pre-setting the carts in incubators for microbiological testing; calibrations and standards; etc. Other testing may be required as well.
• Responsible for the daily cleanup and review of racking systems in the incubators and coolers. Also must set up racks before the lines start.
• Must maintain lab in a clean and organized fashion which includes removal of trash, consolidating and organizing supplies, wiping down counters, equipment and walls, sweeping, mopping, etc. prior to end of shift.
• Involvement in team-oriented processes in order to ascertain improvements within the lab and plant.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Science training and/or dairy experience preferred
• Knowledge of food standards and handling, HACCP, preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Adapts to changes in the work environment
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills
• Work effectively with team members to accomplish department and plant goals

Physical Requirements

• Standing:
  Long periods (a minimum of 8+ hours)
• Sitting:
  Occasionally for short periods
• Walking:
  Long periods
• Bending:
  Frequently
• Lifting:
  Light (25 - 40 lbs.) frequently
• Carrying:
  Light (50 - 60 lbs.) frequently
• Pushing/Pulling:
  Light – Heavy (40 – 150 lbs) with a cart
• Must be able to pull Serac lines in 20-minute intervals and Paper lines in 30-minute intervals

Performance Standards:

• Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct, employment procedures and responsibilities as described in the HP Hood Guidebook and applicable site supplement.
• Adhere to all safety and environmental protocols, procedures and training. Maintain a safe work environment at all times and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct safety concerns.
• Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices,…