Intermediate Lab Technician at Land O'Lakes

St Joseph, Missouri, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Junior (1 to 2 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Food Production, AgricultureIndustries

Requirements

High School equivalent education (GED) and some college level course and lab work in general and analytical and/or organic chemistry
Minimum of two (2) years in commercial laboratory performing physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis and ICP nutrient analysis (preferred)
Ability to perform higher level mathematical calculations, good eye/hand coordination, a good understanding of chemistry concepts, good communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
Good understanding and ability to perform chemical analysis using HPLC and GC and experience performing nutrient chemical analysis using ICP instrumentation (preferred)
Experience performing various physical property analysis including: Analytical Gravimetric balance operation, Moisture analysis (Karl Fisher & Moisture balance), pH operation and calibration, Density measurement, Viscometer measurement, Particle Size analysis, Wet and Dry Screen analysis, Suspension and emulsion testing
Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Basic operation & sample/standards preparation, Knowledge of proper settings for equipment, Ability to make mobile phase and internal standards, Ability to prepare samples for analysis, Perform instrument maintenance as needed, Replace gas or mobile phase, Know when and how to replace septum, Replace broken column or change columns, Recognize a system problem (pump, column, detector, etc.) and correct with minimal support from more senior technicians, Able to change out sample loops, columns, pumps and detectors, Ability to set-up instruments for new products/production campaigns, Knowledge of how to shut down and load methods in case of an emergency power outage, Demonstrate knowledge of GC/HPLC theory & application including trouble shooting when a problem occurs, Able to recognize analysis problems and determine corrective/verification actions
Able to perform basic environmental testing
Demonstrate leadership abilities
Able to perform basic training for lower-level technicians
Knowledge of basic ICP operation including sample preparation and analysis (preferred)
Two years of college chemistry or degree in related field (preferred)

Responsibilities

Complete assigned jobs on time in a proper manner
Assure accurate completion of tests to minimize retests on same sample
Understand and follow lab and company policies
Responsible for safe and compliant handling of RCRA hazardous waste in accordance with all appropriate regulatory requirements
Keep lab prepared by standardization of reagents and by notifying Supervisor of supply shortages
Notify Supervisor of all discrepancies in results or other indications of analytical problems
Maintain good relationship with all areas of the plant
A basic understanding of the Production Areas
Assure quality plant operations through performing a variety of plant audits
Isolation, remediation, containerizing RCRA hazardous waste generated in the assigned process area and under guidance of supervisory personnel

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

HPLCGCICPchemical analysisquality control testingnutrient analysismathematical calculations

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the pay for the Intermediate Lab Technician position?

The pay is $24.50 per hour.

What is the shift schedule for this role?

The shift is 3rd shift from 10pm to 6:30am, Monday through Saturday.

What skills and experience are required for this position?

Required qualifications include high school equivalent education with some college-level chemistry coursework, a minimum of two years in a commercial laboratory performing physical testing, HPLC/GC chemical analysis, and ICP nutrient analysis (preferred), plus skills like mathematical calculations, eye/hand coordination, chemistry understanding, communication, and teamwork.

What specific lab techniques must candidates be experienced with?

Candidates need experience with analytical gravimetric balance operation, moisture analysis (Karl Fisher & Moisture balance), pH operation and calibration, density measurement, viscometer measurement, particle size analysis, wet and dry screen analysis, suspension and emulsion testing, Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and basic operation including sample/standards preparation.

What makes a strong candidate for this lab technician role?

A strong candidate has successfully completed job training, demonstrated ability to perform routine quality control testing independently, experience with HPLC/GC and ICP analysis, and proficiency in specific lab techniques like gravimetric balance, moisture analysis, pH calibration, and chromatography.