Chemistry Technician

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Chemistry Technician role reports to the Corporate Laboratory Manager and works within the Corporate Quality Assurance department at the Hayward Central Laboratory. This position will support shelf life testing initiative and is responsible for operating analytical lab instrumentation and performing routine and special laboratory analysis, including sample preparation, labeling, data reporting and analysis. The chemistry technician will work collaboratively to support the daily operations of the Central Laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collect and process samples and data for analysis, ensuring accuracy in recording observations and findings.

1. Perform laboratory tests and experiments according to established standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Laboratory testing to include but not limited to: refractometer, densitometer, auto-titrator, pH-meter, spectrophotometer and colorimeter.

2. Prepare, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, ensuring their accuracy and reliability for testing. Additionally, responsible for sample labeling when necessary.

3. Record and document laboratory results, maintaining accurate logs and reports to support laboratory projects and research.

4. Conduct quality control checks and assurance procedures to ensure the reliability of test results and analytical instrumentation.

5. Sensory, analytical testing and statistical analysis for shelf-life studies of concentrates and finished products including but not limited to flavor preparations, concentrates, colors as well as new and existing sparkling water, soda, energy drinks and fruit juices.

6. Data collection and statistical analysis of commercialized production batches for new and existing sparkling water, soda, energy drinks and fruit juices.

7. Assist with water quality testing schedule and results for all production facilities within National Beverage Corp. These results will be organized, trended and reported to drive Quality Assurance decisions at the production facilities.

8. Generate projects reports to share findings with management.

9. Support production facilities and lead root cause analysis investigations for troubleshooting purposes including collection, analysis and summarization process quality information and trends.

10. Receive, schedule, coordinate, and perform testing of daily and weekly quality control samples from all production facilities in the National Beverage Corp.

11. Update and create new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

12. Monitor, track and maintain inventory of lab materials and consumables.

13. Participate in sensory taste tests of finished products including new and existing sparkling water, soda, energy drinks and fruit juices.

14. Works collaboratively with other departments at the Hayward technical center including but not limited to Concentrate and R&D.

15. Other duties as assigned by Laboratory Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand or sit for long periods of time. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel equipment for the purpose of sanitation. Run heavy equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or appropriate equivalent from an accredited university.
• Preferred 1-2 years' experience in an analytical laboratory, preferably in an ISO 17025 laboratory performing wet chemistry methods
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word & PowerPoint
• Preferred to have working knowledge of analytical instrumentation with an emphasis on LC-MS/MS, GCMS and Flame Atomic Absorption.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.
• Must demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload without direct supervision.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft business applications and various reporting software.
• Pass the drug test and physical exam
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible full time schedule that may include occasional weekends.